Doctors' strike fallout could take weeks to resolve, NHS bosses say

The disruption caused by the junior doctors' strike in England could take weeks to resolve, health bosses say.

Tens of thousands of appointments and treatments, including cancer care, had to be cancelled during the three-day walkout.

Patients with appointments coming up may see them cancelled to make room for high-priority cases hit by the strike.

Hospitals are also reporting problems discharging patients from wards, as consultants were sent to cover A&E.

Saffron Cordery, of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said the scale and length of the walkout, coupled with the fact it started on a Monday - traditionally the busiest day of the week - had made it more difficult than previous strikes by nurses and ambulance staff.

"It will take weeks to recover - just rebooking patients who have treatments and appointments cancelled is a big job," she said.

"Patients have to be individually prioritised - it may mean some patients with bookings in the coming weeks being pushed further back."

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Source: BBC News, 16 March 2023