Striking doctors will 'put lives at risk' as flu crisis engulfs NHS

UNION BOSSES WARNED

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

MILITANT union chiefs must call off crippling strikes as the flu crisis engulfing the NHS is very serious, says Shabana Mahmood.

The Home Secretary declared the health service was under huge strain and a walkout would endanger lives.

‘An average of 2,660 people a day were being treated in hospital last week as a direct result of flu — 55% up on the week before.

The highest ever first week of December total included 106 people in intensive care, mostly with breathing difficulties.

But resident doctors plan to walk out on Wednesday despite fears their strike could push the NHS even further into crisis.

Ms Mahmood said: “Strikes in the NHS do put lives at risk.

“We want to make sure that the NHS is supported through a difficult winter and through this particular flu outbreak...and I think it’s really important that everybody realises what's at stake.

“There’s a bit of a difference between the stance that the leadership of the resident doctors has taken and the individual views of those doctors. These are very hardworking public servants but they have seen the best deal of anyone in the public sector.”