Why are NHS consultants going on strike?

In the busy corridors of the NHS, consultants ensure that patients receive the best care possible. But what's it really like to be in their shoes, especially in the current NHS crisis? We spoke with Louise, an NHS consultant, to get an insider's perspective on the challenges, the decision to strike, and the message she wants to share with her patients.

Whats it like to be a consultant in the NHS right now?

“I’ve been a consultant for almost 3 years and “exhausting” is the first word that springs to my mind. In addition to our programmed activity, which all of us go above and beyond most days, we have been covering junior doctor strikes to run a safe service, resulting in many of us being unable to keep up with admin and our normal schedules, playing a constant game of catch up and feeling drained. Then this week, I think this exhaustion has been compounded by the Lucy Letby case (and others now emerging); to know that colleagues have been threatened with disciplinary action for raising legitimate patient safety concerns and that they have been ignored when advocating for what is right is completely demoralising. Morale is extremely low. People are looking at alternative careers or relocation and they can hardly be blamed.”

What are the challenges and pressures faced?

“We have a demand for our services and care that we are unable to meet due to chronic underfunding of the health service over the last thirteen years. The nhs operates on good will on a broken shoestring, that good will is rapidly vanishing. People are tired. There are rota gaps at junior levels that senior consultants are expected to step into to maintain patient safety and deliver safe care but nothing is being done to solve the recruitment and retention crisis to help prevent this happening. Feeling valued for what you do and being adequately remunerated for the level of experience and skill one provides is all we are asking for.”

Why are you going on strike ?

“I support all industrial action in order to try and recruit and retain our doctors of the future . So many medical students are planning to leave as soon as they graduate. Only half a handful of people would have done this 10-15 years ago, but the working conditions in the U.K. have to change for junior doctors to want to stay, and as consultants we have a responsibility to those junior doctors to make their working conditions better. The absolute last straw which is industrial action has been reached.”

What message would you share with your patients about the strike and its potential impact?

“Striking is the last thing doctors wanted to do but it is the only way doctors can get the government to listen to their concerns. We are grateful for all our public support. There will be safeguards in place to ensure patient care is delivered as safely as it can be and to an excellent standard. If you are unwell and think you need to come to A&E or urgent care please do not hesitate.”

Louise's insights provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by NHS consultants amidst the ongoing crisis. As patients, it's crucial for us to understand and support the professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy, even when the system they operate within is under strain. Solidarity!