The United Kingdom is facing an „unprecedented wave of superflu,” warns the National Health Service (NHS), as five days before Christmas a doctor strike is scheduled.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged resident doctors on Friday to abandon the strike in a plea published in The Times.
The biggest challenge since Covid-19
NHS is in an "incredibly precarious" situation and faces "an unprecedented challenge since the Covid-19 pandemic," the minister emphasized.
According to data published on Thursday by NHS, flu cases are reaching a new record at this time of year, reports AFP.
The number of cases increased by 55% in just one week, with an average of 2,660 patients hospitalized daily last week.
"With a record demand for emergency services and ambulances and with an imminent strike by resident doctors, this unprecedented wave of superflu puts NHS in the worst possible situation at this time of year," warned NHS's Medical Director Meghana Pandit.
The 14th doctor strike in less than 3 years
The situation of the public health system in the United Kingdom - thrown into a deep crisis due to extremely long waiting times for appointments - is a major political issue for the Starmer Government.
If the planned union action starting Wednesday takes place, it will be the 14th doctor strike since March 2023.
Resident doctors are in conflict with the Government over salaries and professional training.
The British Medical Association, representing resident doctors, is calling for a salary increase - by 26% - which they consider necessary after years of real income decline due to inflation.
The association will present a new proposal to the Government through an online survey that is set to end on Monday.