The NHS strike has been one of the most contentious. All junior doctors, nurses and ambulance staff have taken part in strikes at one point or another this year. The NHS has suffered a decline in capacity, which is affecting patients. The long-term effects of this are yet to be determined, but it’s reasonable to assume that a surge in legal actions against the organization will result.
NHS waiting list
In recent weeks, hospitals in England have failed to reach their targets in order to reduce backlogs for cancer treatment and routine care. The targets required that all planned care like hip replacements be completely eliminated and that cancer treatment wait times of 62 days fall back to levels before the Covid-19 epidemic.
The waiting list is now just over 7 million, or around 3 million more people than pre-pandemic. Ministers have said that numbers will begin to drop in 2024, but this may be too late for some.
Medical negligence is more likely to occur.
If there is a delay in providing treatment for certain diseases, such as cancer, the chances of a successful outcome are reduced. It will lead to more people suffering longer and dying in situations they would not otherwise. This will lead to many accusations of medical malpractice.
Although every hospital is guaranteed a minimum level of staffing, a reduction will result in a decrease in care. Strikers have a purpose – otherwise, they wouldn’t be on strike.
Perspectives beyond 2023
What is likely to happen in the next year? The future of the situation depends on how much and whether industrial action is taken.
Royal College of Nursing decided to strike for 48 hours at the start of May. The High Court intervened and said that such a striking would be illegal.
Good news! A deal was reached with over a million English healthcare workers who were able to secure a 5% increase in pay. It is difficult to predict how the situation will change. However, it appears likely that an agreement with either this or the next government will be reached.