A dispute has emerged between NHS England and the British Medical Association regarding the level of healthcare cover during a doctor strike. NHS England plans to limit cancellations of non-urgent operations to exceptional circumstances. In contrast, the BMA argues that this approach will jeopardize patient safety by overstretching non-striking doctors. The upcoming strike, involving resident doctors, has led to negotiations between the BMA and the government. Sir Jim Mackey of NHS England aims to minimize disruption while acknowledging that patient care could be affected by cancelling non-urgent procedures.
NHS England has ordered hospitals to cancel non-urgent care only in exceptional circumstances during a doctor strike, but the BMA warns this risks patient safety.
The BMA has raised concerns that maintaining non-urgent operations will compromise emergency care, threatening to overextend non-striking doctors.
Sir Jim Mackey emphasized that cancelling non-urgent work also poses risks to patients, indicating a balance must be struck.
The BMA letter stated that hospitals must adjust care levels based on available staff, criticizing NHS England's guidance as unsafe for patient care.
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