A SENIOR doctors’ union leader today warned that NHS England’s approach to the upcoming five-day strike by resident doctors is “seriously risky.”

British Medical Association (BMA) deputy chairwoman Dr Emma Runswick told BBC Radio 4 that guidance issued by NHS England to keep most planned care running during the walkout could cause confusion and overstretch staff. 

She said: “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.

“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, [it] 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.”

Her warning comes amid growing tensions between NHS leaders and the BMA over how hospitals should manage the strike, which is set to begin at 7am on Friday.

During earlier strikes in 2023 and 2024, NHS England advised trusts to cancel large volumes of non-urgent care so consultants could cover emergency services. 

But trusts have now been told by NHS England to cancel non-urgent work only in “exceptional circumstances” and with prior approval.

The BMA argues this new approach risks stretching non-striking doctors too thinly.

Dr Runswick added that the BMA remained hopeful of resolving the walkout and was “keen to work with NHS England to ensure plans are in place for the safest care.”

Talks between the government and the union are ongoing, but Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ruled out any additional pay rise this year.

Professor Meghana Pandit of NHS England said: “The safest thing for patients is for the NHS to maintain as much urgent and planned care as possible during strikes, and we would encourage the BMA to work with us constructively to achieve this in the event industrial action goes ahead.”

NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles also hit back at the comments, saying: “The NHS, not the BMA, is putting patients’ interests first.”