NHS strike: Anger and fear for patients as strike delays operations

NHS strike: Anger and fear for patients as strike delays operations

Patients across England are voicing their frustration and worry as the resident doctors’ strike gets underway due to a pay dispute between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA). Health Secretary Wes Streeting has assured that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions during the five-day strike. However, numerous NHS patients have expressed concerns about the potential worsening of their conditions following the cancellation of scheduled procedures, while also acknowledging the doctors’ grievances.

One patient, Peter Plant, aged 58 and from Tamworth, who is battling kidney cancer, had his surgery to remove the organ postponed just a day before the scheduled date. The rescheduled operation is now set for 20 August, but Plant fears the delay could prove fatal for him. Another patient, Hassnain Shahid from Bradford, revealed that his three-year-old daughter urgently requires lung surgery, which has been indefinitely postponed despite the associated risks of a delay. Shahid expressed frustration, acknowledging the doctors’ plight while emphasizing the urgent need for his daughter’s surgery.

Additionally, several other patients shared their stories of repeated surgery delays amidst the ongoing doctors’ strike. Sarah, a patient from the north-west of England, has had her hysterectomy cancelled for the second time, leaving her in emotional turmoil. Similarly, Andrew Mundy from Lincoln and Michele from Somerset shared their struggles with canceled surgeries, expressing fears of lasting injuries and ongoing pain. The delayed surgeries have left many patients feeling abandoned and uncertain about the future, highlighting the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers during the strike.

Despite the disruption caused by the resident doctors’ strike, hospitals are reporting that more than 80% of non-urgent work is still being carried out. Previous walkouts have resulted in significant cancellations of operations, appointments, and treatments, impacting millions of patients. The ongoing strike reflects the challenges faced by both healthcare professionals and patients within the NHS, underscoring the complex nature of the ongoing pay dispute and its repercussions on patient care

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More