A Historic Strike: England’s Doctors Mobilize for Change, New Era
Big news is coming from the hospitals in England. The doctors are planning to stop working (England’s Doctors). This is called a “strike.” Specifically, the group known as “resident doctors” will walk out of hospitals for five days. This is happening right now, in December 2025. It is a very serious situation.
In this blog post, we will explain everything. We will look at who these doctors are. Also, we will explain why they are angry. Furthermore, we will tell you what to do if you are sick during this time.
When Is the Strike Happening?
First, let us look at the dates. The strike is set to begin very soon. It will start on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 7:00 am.
Then, it will continue for five whole days. It will end on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7:00 am.
This means that for five days, thousands of doctors will not be at work. This is happening just before the Christmas holidays. Therefore, it is a very busy time for hospitals.
Who Are “Resident Doctors”?
You might be confused by the name. In the past, these doctors were called “junior doctors.” However, that name was changed recently. Now, they are called resident doctors.
Here is the truth. They are not students. They are fully qualified doctors. In fact, they have finished medical school. They treat patients every day. The perform surgeries. They prescribe medicine.
However, they are still in training to become specialists. A specialist is a top doctor, like a heart surgeon. Resident doctors make up nearly half of all the doctors in the NHS (National Health Service). Consequently, when they stop working, the hospital slows down.
Why Are They Striking?
The main reason for the strike is money. Also, it is about jobs. Let’s break it down simply.
1. The Pay Problem
For many years, prices for food and rent have gone up. This is called inflation. However, the doctors’ pay did not go up as much.
The doctors say they are poorer now than they were in 2008. They want “pay restoration.” This means they want their pay to go back to the value it had in 2008.
Recently, the government offered them a deal. However, the doctors said no. They voted on it. A huge number, 83% of them, voted to reject the offer. They feel the offer was not good enough.
2. The Jobs Crisis
In addition to money, there is a problem with jobs. There are many resident doctors. However, there are not enough training spots for them to become specialists.
Imagine finishing school but having no job to go to. That is happening to many doctors. The government offered to create 4,000 new training places. But, the doctors’ union (the BMA) said this was “fake.” They said the government was just moving old jobs around.
The Government’s Reaction
The government is very unhappy about the strike. The Health Secretary is named Wes Streeting. He is the person in charge of the NHS.
His said the strike is “dangerous.” He is worried because it is winter. In winter, many people get the flu. Right now, there is a “flu-nami.” This means a huge wave of flu cases.
Mr. Streeting said the doctors are being irresponsible. He wants them to keep working. He said the country cannot afford to pay them more money right now. Therefore, the two sides are fighting. They are not agreeing on anything.
What Happens Inside the Hospital?
So, what happens when half the doctors leave? It is a big challenge.
First, the “consultants” step in. Consultants are the most senior doctors. They are the bosses. During the strike, they will do the work of the resident doctors.
However, consultants usually do special operations. If they are busy doing basic work, they cannot do surgeries. As a result, many operations will be cancelled.
If you had an appointment, it might be delayed. The hospital will call you. They will give you a new date. This is frustrating for patients. But, the hospitals have no choice.
Is It Safe for Patients?
This is the most important question. Is it safe?
The NHS says they are working hard to keep people safe. Emergency care will still happen. If you have a life-threatening problem, you will see a doctor.
For example:
- Heart attacks: Doctors will treat you.
- Car accidents: Doctors will treat you.
- Serious breathing problems: Doctors will treat you.
However, routine care will stop. “Routine” means things that are not emergencies. For instance, a knee operation might be cancelled. A check-up might be moved.
The Union’s View
The group that represents the doctors is the British Medical Association (BMA). They are very firm.
The leader of the resident doctors is Dr. Jack Fletcher. He said the government “fumbled” the chance to stop the strike.
Dr. Fletcher said the doctors do not want to strike. However, they feel they have no choice. They feel ignored.
He said:
- The pay offer was too low.
- The job offer was not real.
- Doctors are leaving the UK to work in other countries like Australia.
Therefore, they are striking to save the NHS in the long run. They believe that if they don’t fight now, there will be no doctors left in the future.
Winter Pressures
The timing of this strike is critical. As mentioned before, it is December.
In December, the weather is cold. Old people get sick. Flu and Covid-19 spread easily. Hospitals are already full.
Usually, hospitals are very busy before Christmas. They try to send people home so they can be with their families. Now, with the strike, this will be harder.
Hospital bosses are worried. They say this is the “worst possible time.” They fear that patients will wait for a long time in the emergency room.
Public Opinion
What do normal people think? It is a mix.
On one hand, people love the NHS. They love doctors. The know doctors work very hard. They know doctors save lives. Therefore, many people support the strike. They want doctors to be paid well.
On the other hand, people are tired. There have been many strikes in the last two years. Patients are waiting months for help. Consequently, some people are angry. They just want the hospitals to work normally.
Comparing to the Past
This is not the first strike. In fact, it is the 14th time doctors have stopped work since 2023.
Earlier in 2024, there was a long strike. It lasted for many days. Then, the government and doctors made a small deal. Everyone thought the fighting was over.
However, that deal was only for one year. Now, they are fighting about the next year. It seems like a never-ending battle.
The resident doctors are determined. They say they will keep striking until they get a fair deal.
What Should You Do?
If you are sick during the strike, do not panic. Here are some tips.
- Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 999. Go to A&E (Accident and Emergency). The doctors will be there for you.
- Minor Illness: Do not go to the hospital.
- Use 111: The NHS has a phone number called 111. You can also use the website 111.nhs.uk. They will tell you what to do.
- Pharmacies: Visit your local pharmacy. They can help with colds, flu, and small pains.
- GPs: Your local family doctor (GP) might be open. However, resident doctors work there too. So, check first.
The Money Details
Let us look closely at the money. Why is there such a big disagreement?
The doctors asked for a 26% pay rise. They say this is fair because their pay was cut in the past.
The government gave them a 22% rise over two years. The government thinks this is very generous.
However, the doctors say the new offer for 2026 is actually a pay cut. They say inflation is 4%, but the offer is only 2.5%. Therefore, they would lose money again. This is why they voted “No.”
The “Brain Drain”
One big reason for the strike is the “Brain Drain.” This is a funny phrase. It means smart people leaving the country.
Many young doctors in England are leaving. They are moving to:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
In those countries, the pay is higher. Also, the work is less stressful. The BMA says they need to pay doctors more to keep them in England. If they don’t, the NHS will not have enough staff.
Negotiations
“Negotiation” means talking to find a solution. Right now, the talking has stopped.
The BMA says they are willing to talk. The government says they are willing to talk. However, neither side is moving.
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, says he has no more money. He says the budget is empty. The BMA says this is a “political choice.” They believe the government can find money if they want to. England’s Doctors
Consequently, the strike is going ahead.
Looking Ahead
What will happen after Christmas? No one knows for sure.
If this strike does not work, the doctors might strike again in January. The BMA is voting on new strikes right now. England’s Doctors
This could go on for a long time. It is a battle of wills. The government wants to look strong. The doctors want to feel valued. England’s Doctors
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