Strike vote is a bitter pill

Responding to the British Medical Association’s vote to press on with further strike action, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles said:

"This vote is a bitter pill which will inevitably result in harm to patients and damage to the NHS.

"We had hoped that the government’s recent updated offer would be enough to head off another walkout at a time when so many people are suffering with flu, and the NHS needs all hands on deck.

"Trust leaders and staff will be working now to minimise the impact of the strike, but sadly it will mean further disruption and delays, and a very difficult Christmas for the health service.

"In responding to the inevitable severe pressures in the coming days it is important that all sides act in good faith to ensure adequate cover is available and that services are as safe as possible.

"And anyone facing an emergency should know that the NHS will continue to be there for them."