Resident doctors (formally known as junior doctors) in the West Midlands are gearing up for a five-day strike from July 25 to 30, after 90% of British Medical Association (BMA) members voted for action over a 29.2% pay rise demand.
7.4m pending treatments nationwide
With thousands of doctors across trusts like University Hospitals Birmingham and Sandwell and West Birmingham, the walkout could cripple NHS services, delay surgeries and pile pressure on a region already battling long waiting lists – 7.39 million treatments are pending nationwide.
Cancellations inevitable
Hospitals will have to cancel thousands of appointments, echoing the 1.5 million disruptions during past strikes. Emergency care will again be hit, and health inequalities in areas like Coventry and Sandwell may worsen due to the long term impact. The BMA says that low morale risks driving doctors abroad, impacting staff retention. Public support is slipping too – a YouGov poll shows 48% now oppose strikes, down from 52% in 2024.
Streeting’s change of tack
Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s now has to put his words in Opposition into practice. He promised to “talk to doctors” and tackle pay erosion, even admitting the NHS treats them “like crap.” His 2024 deal gave a 22.3% rise, ending 18 months of strikes.
But now, he’s slammed the door on more pay talks, calling the 5.4% offer for 2025-26 the limit and warning strikes will be a “disaster.” The BMA’s fuming, accusing him of betraying pledges to restore pay.
Rough ride ahead
This strike could derail Labour’s NHS plans and dent trust even further, a key political battleground issue. With consultants also eyeing walkouts, the region’s health system faces a rough ride. Streeting’s got two weeks to negotiate – or the NHS could face chaos.
