Doctors' strikes 'may lead to frontline cuts'

THE NHS may have to cut frontline staff plus appointments and operations for patients if doctors' strikes continue, health leaders have warned.

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As thousands of resident doctors go on strike across England from 7am today in a dispute over pay, the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represent health trusts, said continued action was piling pressure on already-stretched budgets.

The five-day action from Friday is the 13th walkout by doctors since March 2023, with the last strike in July estimated to have cost the health service £300m.

NHS Confederation and NHS Providers said that if the NHS continues to have to foot the bill from strikes, it could lead to staff being cut and fewer tests, appointments and operations being carried out.