Homerton Hospital staff walk out as five-day resident doctors’ strike begins

Jeremy Corbyn with resident doctors outside Homerton University Hospital last month. Photograph: Jeremy Corbyn / Facebook

Doctors from Homerton University Hospital are participating in a nationwide strike beginning today (Wednesday, 17 December).

The British Medical Association (BMA) previously announced the strike over pay and specialty training places would begin at 7am this morning and end at 7am on Monday, 22 December.

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement it “apologises to our patients and service users for the disruption to their care.”

“On behalf of staff and patients, we want the industrial disputes resolved as soon as possible, but pay in the NHS is a matter for the government and trade unions,” it said.

The strike comes at an especially challenging time of year, with medical professionals particularly concerned about this winter’s flu. “Our services are under significant strain,” the Trust added. 

“Please help us keep emergency care available for those who need it.”

Ahead of the strike, participating staff gathered on the picket line outside the hospital last month, where they were joined by independent MP and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Taking to Facebook, he said he was “proud” to stand with them.

“Wes Streeting [the health secretary] says striking NHS staff are ‘holding patients to ransom’. Wrong! He’s the one holding patients and the NHS to ransom, by refusing to give doctors the pay and jobs they deserve. 

“To all our dedicated healthcare workers: thank you for all you do. Solidarity!”

Resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – are seeking a 26% pay rise over the next three years. They have also demanded a larger expansion of specialty training posts than Streeting had offered.

Last week the government came forward with a fresh deal which included increasing the number of training places and covering out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees. However, it did not include any promises on pay.

Some 35,000 resident doctors turned out after a snap poll on the offer was called, with 83% voting to reject it and strike as planned.

BMA resident doctors committee (RDC) chair Dr Jack Fletcher said:  “Our members have considered the government’s offer, and their resounding response should leave the Health Secretary in no doubt about how badly he has just fumbled his opportunity to end industrial action.

“Tens of thousands of frontline doctors have come together to say ‘no’ to what is clearly too little, too late. 

“We remain committed to ensuring patient safety, as we have done with all previous rounds of strike action, and urge hospital trusts to continue planning to ensure safe staffing.

“We will be in close contact with NHS England throughout the strikes to address safety concerns if they arise.”

Streeting described the pay demands as a ‘fantasy’ and added: “The BMA has chosen Christmas strikes to inflict damage on the NHS at the moment of maximum danger. These strikes are self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous.”

Homerton said it will be “working hard” during this period to ensure essential services are maintained. Urgent and emergency care, as well as maternity care, will be prioritised, while those in less urgent need of care may face longer wait times than usual.

“If you have an outpatient appointment or planned procedure scheduled for these dates, we will contact you if it needs to be rebooked. We want to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience to you if this happens,” the Trust added.

“If you do not hear from us, please attend your appointment as normal. This will help us keep disruptions and cancellations to a minimum.”

Homerton Hospital’s emergency department is expected to be “extremely busy” during this time.

Patients with non-emergency issues should use alternative healthcare options, including visiting their pharmacist, contacting their GP, or calling NHS 111 for advice. Minor injuries units can be used for the likes of sprains, fractures, and burns.

The Trust also encouraged those in caring roles to be proactive. “If you’re looking after elderly individuals, children, or those with long-term conditions, contact your GP early if you have concerns.”