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The NHS Confederation has praised NHS workers, saying they found a way to go the extra mile to provide essential life and limb care while junior doctors took industrial action.
Leaders said they are grateful for the work their teams put in during the 72-hour walkout, particularly to those who have stepped in to provide cover.
NHS statistics show that round 46% fewer operations and appointments had to be cancelled this time round, but there were still 108,602 cancellations, taking the total number cancelled due to recurring industrial action over the past seven months to 651,229.
BMA and the government need to get back to the table immediately
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said while they are pleased to see fewer operations and appointments cancelled, which was a real testament to planning and efforts to fill shifts, many patients may end up back in primary care due to experiencing complications or a deterioration of their condition as a result of waiting longer for their operation, meaning that the NHS is still forced to store up problems for the future.
He added: “Not only is this continuing standoff between government and junior doctors taking a toll on patient care and wellbeing, but on NHS finances. One provider has told us that during a previous round, the combination of additional staffing costs and lost activity cost them £500,000, so we are starting to see the financial impact beginning to bite.
“With demand for services high, pandemic recovery efforts in full swing, and finances already stretched to the limit, leaders will want to know how many more times this situation must be repeated. Coping with strikes cannot become business as usual; both the BMA and the government need to get back to the table immediately.”
