Crunch talks between the Government and resident doctors are set to take place on Thursday in a desperate bid to prevent a five-day strike that could cripple NHS services across England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting will meet with leaders from the Resident Doctors Committee, part of the British Medical Association, as tensions reach breaking point.
The walkout is scheduled to begin at 7am on July 25 and threatens to cause significant disruption to hospitals and patient care. Previous strikes by health workers cost the NHS an estimated £1.5 billion, with 1.5 million appointments, procedures and operations postponed.
Streeting questions union partnership
Discussions could prove fractious after Streeting told MPs on Monday that he did not see a “reasonable trade union partner” in the Resident Doctors Committee “at this time”. The Cabinet minister has insisted the Government will not budge on pay but suggested talks could focus on improving working conditions for resident doctors.
RDC co-chairs Dr Ross Nieuwoudt and Dr Melissa Ryan issued a joint statement at the weekend expressing hope to “find a solution that our members will find acceptable and that can prevent any strike action having to take place”. NHS leaders warned on Tuesday there was no extra money available to cover the costs of industrial action.
Pay dispute at heart of conflict