Union claims NHS strike plan is 'risky

A SENIOR doctors' union leader has warned NHS England's approach to the upcoming five-day strike by resident doctors is "seriously risky" and could lead to patient harm in emergency departments.

- JOE HADDEN

British Medical Association (BMA) deputy chairwoman Dr Emma Runswick told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday that guidance issued by the health service to keep most planned care running during the walkout could cause dangerous confusion and overstretch staff.

"We've had proven systems over the last decade that have made sure that where we have to take strike action, senior doctors cover urgency and critical care," she said.

"This time round, NHS England are pushing for the continuation of non-urgent and scheduled care in a way that we think at best is confusing and will create on-the-day cancellations - and at worst could be risky and lead to harm in emergency departments and on wards, because senior doctors cannot physically be in two places at once.

"We think that a notional guidance from NHS England which is saying that basically all scheduled work should continue to go ahead has potential to be seriously risky for patients."