Buckinghamshire NHS grapples with “immensely frustrating" longest resident doctor strike
A senior Bucks NHS figure tells us hospitals in the county are expected to be under huge pressure, as the action follows a quieter bank holiday and more people are now coming forward for care
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust says it's working hard to tackle the pressures brought about by six days of strike by resident doctors, which began yesterday (Tuesday 7th April).
Andrew McLaren, Chief Medical Officer for Buckinghamshire, described the strike as “immensely frustrating," highlighting the disruption it brings to healthcare delivery as his team prepares to address the longest walkout they've experienced.
This industrial action, organised by the British Medical Association, has been described by McLaren as "hugely long" and in his view, brings with it complicating preparations following a bank holiday weekend.
Expressing concern about the absence of resident doctors, McLaren said, “Our role is to keep patients safe, to deliver the best possible care we can under the circumstances,” emphasising the Trust's commitment to maintaining essential services.
He voiced his appreciation for consultants who are stepping up, stating, “We are really grateful to my consultant colleagues who will be stepping up in large numbers to cover the gaps that the resident doctors leave during this period of strike action.”
To ensure services remain functional, Buckinghamshire hospitals will increase the number of consultants working, including more overnight and weekend shifts, providing experienced care to manage patient flow.
McLaren noted that “people will need to come, we will be here to see them and you'll probably see somebody quite senior because we're having more consultants at the front door.”
He urged residents to use NHS 111 and alternative care pathways effectively, saying, “I would strongly recommend people use the 111 service, I'm really keen to publicise that excellent service run by our pharmacists.”
Despite the challenges, Buckinghamshire healthcare facilities remain open 24/7, and say they're dedicated to delivering effective patient care throughout the strike period, and are committed to overcoming the logistical hurdles presented by this extended industrial action.
Ahead of the strikes, the BMA released the following statement:
"We remain willing and available to re-enter negotiations, but we are not willing to risk locking in further pay erosion.
The Government shifted the goalposts on pay at the 11th hour, leaving us with no option but to make ourselves heard from the picket line."
The Health Secretary has called the action " unnecessary and damaging" adding that Resident Doctors have opted for "very disruptive industrial action timed to impact on the holiday plans many staff will have made during the Easter break."
Wes Streeting added "I had thought we had collectively constructed a serious, good-faith attempt to resolve this dispute: one that reflects the limits of what is affordable, deliverable and fair to patients and taxpayer."