Prime Highlight
- A majority of NHS consultants (67%) and SAS doctors (82%) have voted in favor of strike action over pay and working conditions.
- Martha’s Rule is now active in all acute hospitals in England, already triggering 241 urgent interventions since rollout.
Key Facts
- The government’s GP Advice and Guidance scheme helped 113,000 patients receive faster treatment in April without long hospital delays.
- A new £338 million Connect to Work program will support 85,000 people with disabilities and long-term health conditions across 15 regions.
Background
The NHS is experiencing a busy autumn of potential strikes, new safety policies, and new patient care reforms. A ballot by the British Medical Association (BMA) revealed that 67% of consultants and 82% of specialty and specialist (SAS) doctors are ready to strike over pay cuts and poor working conditions. The BMA says doctors’ pay has fallen by up to 26% in real terms since 2008. Health leaders have warned that further strikes could bring disruption to NHS services and have urged both sides to reach a settlement quickly.
Martha’s Rule has now been adopted in all acute hospitals in England in a major patient safety move. The regulation came about after the 2021 death of Martha Mills, aged 13, when her condition worsened without warning. Already, almost 5,000 calls have been made to the helplines since its rollout leading to 241 urgent interventions that could have saved lives.
The government also announced success from its GP Advice and Guidance scheme. Backed by £80 million, the program allowed GPs to consult specialists quickly, helping 113,000 patients get faster treatment in April without long hospital waits.
At the same time, NHS data has shown differences in waiting lists between rich and poor patients. The highest difference was recorded in the East of England at 4.3 percentage points. The experts elaborate that patients whose health conditions are complex, who have missed appointments, and who have social barriers tend to face a longer wait.
Alongside these reforms, a £338 million Connect to Work program has been launched to support 85,000 people with disabilities or long-term health conditions in 15 regions. Over the next five years, the scheme aims to benefit 300,000 people across England and Wales.
In a further step, the government has suggested extending the powers of high street optometrists to treat common eye conditions such as infections and allergies. The move will probably eliminate GP workload and increase access to care among the community.
