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UK Health Minister Wes Streeting has pledged to do everything possible to prevent further doctors' strikes amid ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, which have added strain to the NHS during a period of rising flu cases and hospital admissions. Talks with the British Medical Association are set to resume early next year, aiming to avoid future industrial action and stabilize the healthcare system.
Junior doctors in England are set to strike for five days from 24 to 28 February in response to an ongoing pay dispute with the government. The British Medical Association (BMA) is advocating for a 35% pay increase, which was previously rejected by ministers. The strike is expected to disrupt or cancel many routine hospital services, and the BMA has stated that the action could still be called off if a "credible offer" is made. This will be the 10th strike by junior doctors since March 2023, and the BMA is also balloting junior doctors on further industrial action beyond this strike.
The disruption caused by the three-day junior doctors' strike in England could take weeks to resolve, according to health bosses. Tens of thousands of appointments and treatments, including cancer care, had to be cancelled during the strike. Hospitals are also reporting problems discharging patients from wards, as consultants were sent to cover A&E. The British Medical Association is asking for a 35% pay rise to make up for 15 years of below-inflation wage rises, but the government has suggested 3.5% next year.