‘The system is falling apart’: patients and doctors speak out on NHS strike

The longest strike by junior doctors in the history of the NHS has led to tens of thousands of patients in England having their care cancelled or rescheduled since the strike started last Wednesday. This strike marks the tenth time these actions have been taken since March 2023 and will end at 7am on Tuesday, and it all stems from an ongoing dispute about pay between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government. The BMA is advocating for a 35% pay increase for junior doctors to bring their earnings back to 2008 levels when considering inflation. However, the government considers this proposal to be unaffordable. Doctors, patients, and public sector workers provide their views on this unprecedented strike action.

One worker from the NHS, Sasha, 24, from London supports the strike as she believes doctors handle enormous workloads and should be rewarded for their hard work and dedication. The strike has motivated many to pick up additional shifts and supported by many consultants.

An anonymous junior doctor on strike explains the challenges of balancing a demanding career, family responsibilities, and financial difficulties. The doctor believes that these strikes are crucial for the well-being and retention of medical staff and heartfelt faith in their consultant colleagues that they will ensure patient safety during the strike.

Paul Cheale, 85, a retired meat wholesaler, is not happy with the strike action. He acknowledges that doctors' wages have not kept pace with inflation, but believes everyone needs to make sacrifices in periods of economic downturn. He considers the strike action selfish and impacted those in need of medical attention, including himself, due to his heart condition.

Ironically, Dave, 70, who suffers from metastatic prostate cancer, supports the doctor's strike. Despite recognising that the strike could directly affect his treatment, Dave expresses concerns that government interference might lead to a significant shift from NHS to private health plans.

Meanwhile, opinions among senior doctors vary, with some considering the strike action militant and harmful to patients. They argue that in the Covid-19 aftermath, demanding a significant pay rise exacerbates an overburdened system. However, others feel that the junior doctors deserve a pay rise given the more difficult working conditions and the higher cost of living compared to the past.

In the public sector, although some show sympathy for the junior doctors' cause, they believe the demand for a 35% salary increase to be too high, especially when nurses and teachers are accepting lower pay. They are concerned about the potential harmful effects on patients and the increased stress on nurses, causing them to lose public support.