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Coordinated doctors\u2019 strikes will \u201csignificantly increase the risk to patients\u201d, the Health Secretary has said.<\/p>\n
Steve Barclay called on the BMA to stop \u201cplaying politics and end its strikes immediately\u201d as he warned the mass walkouts are \u201ca step too far\u201d.<\/p>\n
He stressed that pay rises coming into force this month \u2013 ranging from six percent to 10.3 percent \u2013 are \u201cfinal\u201d.<\/p>\n
It comes as health experts warned the strikes will pile pressure on an NHS already dealing with pandemic levels of extra deaths, with \u201cpatients paying the price\u201d.<\/p>\n
One consultant accused his striking peers of \u201cacting like God and deciding whether people can live or die\u201d. The action on September 20, and for three days between October 2 and 4, is the first joint strike between the two groups of medics.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Doctors\u2019 union bid to oust Tories puts patients in danger<\/strong><\/p>\n Mr Barclay said: \u201cI\u2019ve been clear that this pay award is final and I urge the BMA to end its callous and calculated strike action \u2013 these are only serving to lengthen waiting lists, harm patients and put more pressure on their colleagues.<\/p>\n \u201cI urge the BMA to stop playing politics and end its strikes immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Junior doctors and consultants will provide \u201cChristmas Day\u201d cover during the planned industrial action, meaning no elective care and minimal emergency services.<\/p>\n It is estimated there have been over a million cancelled operations since the medics\u2019 strikes started last winter \u2013 costing the NHS an estimated \u00a31billion. Nick Hulme, chief executive of the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: \u201cThe strikes are sucking the life out of the NHS.<\/p>\n \u201cThe decision to co-ordinate a combined strike is a significant escalation. The doctors know it will have a bigger impact.\u201d<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Trans crusade is distracting NHS from saving lives, says Nick Ferrari[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Mr Hulme called for an independent arbitrator to negotiate between the BMA and the Government, which he said had become stuck in an \u201cintransigent\u201d position. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, agreed and said: \u201cMillions of patients are suffering and none of them have an influence over industrial action.\u201d<\/p>\n The BMA has secured a new mandate for strikes by junior doctors until February 2024, as part of its campaign for a 35 per cent pay rise.<\/p>\n But one senior consultant, who asked not to be named, criticised his colleagues, saying: \u201cThe \u00addoctors are acting like God, deciding whether people can live or die. By striking, they are \u00adnormalising this, which I find astonishing.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4940410.jpg?r=1693686834306\")
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