London's health chief has issued urgent advice to residents as a five-day walkout by junior doctors begins, coinciding with record numbers of flu patients in hospitals across the capital.
Strike Action Amidst Unprecedented Flu Pressure
The industrial action by resident doctors commenced at 7am on Wednesday, 17 December, and is scheduled to continue until 7am on Monday, 22 December. This strike period presents a severe challenge for the NHS, with London hospitals already grappling with a 50% increase in flu cases.
Currently, an average of 380 patients per day are occupying hospital beds with flu in England – the highest figure ever recorded for this time of year. Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London, warned that the strikes will inevitably impact both patients and staff.
"These strikes come at a challenging time for the NHS," Dr Streather stated. "This industrial action will no doubt take a toll on patients and NHS staff in London, and across the country." He expressed particular regret that many hard-working NHS colleagues, who had contributed to service recovery efforts throughout the year, would now miss Christmas with their families after being called in to cover essential services.
Public Urged to Attend Appointments and Get Vaccinated
Despite the disruption, health leaders are emphatic that patients should continue to access care. "We are doing all we can to limit the cancellation of appointments and patients should continue to use NHS services in the usual way," Dr Streather affirmed. "Londoners should attend their appointments unless told otherwise."
Hospital teams across London have implemented plans to maintain life-saving and critical care, aiming to keep as much routine treatment and scheduled surgery running as possible. For non-urgent medical needs, the public is advised to:
- Use the NHS app.
- Call NHS 111 or use the 111 online service.
- Visit a local pharmacist or GP practice.
GP services, along with urgent and emergency care, will remain operational throughout the strike. In cases of genuine emergencies, such as life-threatening conditions or serious injuries, the public must still dial 999 or go to A&E.
A critical parallel message focuses on flu prevention. Although over 1.8 million people have received their flu vaccination since 1 September, authorities stress that more eligible individuals need protection. London’s Chief Nurse, Karen Boner, made a direct appeal: "With just a week left to increase your immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible." The NHS is extending its reach by taking vaccination programmes directly into communities.
Political and Public Reaction to the Walkout
Health Secretary Wes Streeting apologised to patients for the disruption caused by the five-day strike. Speaking to MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee, Mr Streeting indicated he was "just as, if not more, worried" about the strain on services in the weeks following the industrial action.
On the picket line, junior doctors explained their decision. Ahmed Ellbbany, a 24-year-old foundation year one doctor at Aintree University Hospital, said many patients understood the reasons for the strike. "People in the hospital are very understanding... when they see the conditions we have to work in," he remarked, describing a system where patients are sometimes treated in corridors and staff are "spread very thin."
Public support for the strikes appears limited. A recent YouGov poll found that 58% of respondents somewhat or strongly opposed the industrial action, while 33% expressed support.
As the strike continues, the core advice from the NHS in London remains clear: protect yourself with a flu vaccine if eligible, and attend all planned medical appointments unless the NHS contacts you to reschedule.
