Prescription for Change: Are Doctor Strikes the Heartbeat of Healthcare Transformations?

In 2023, we’ve witnessed an uprising of workers in various professions demanding change through strikes and walk outs in a passionate cry for recognition. Between January and August, we have seen 177 work stoppages – and while we support their cause, one important question arises: are doctor strikes the pulse to improve these conditions?

Doctor strikes have been a hot topic since 2022, sparking the rightful debates on healthcare conditions these professionals are receiving. And although they are now getting the correct recognition and getting the much-needed talks rolling, they’ve also raised concerns about the impact on patients who rely on doctors for their well-being.

Let’s meet Clare Dodds, who has experienced the consequences of these strikes firsthand as her mother’s health representative. Clare’s mother Kathleen Rowlett, aged 84, has faced battles she didn’t sign up for when going for her hip surgery, originally supposed to happen in January, her surgery has been postponed several times until August due to a shortage of doctors, all while Kathleen’s state was deteriorating, leaving her in a state of urgent need.

Being told she may have a blood clot and infection and told there is a spot on her lungs that could be cancer, Kathleen was knocked down to her worse and was receiving no care.

Clare shared her frustration “On Monday I was told she was going for a CT scan; Tuesday I am told she was going for an ultrasound scan and today I was told she was going for an MRI scan but none had been done and I was left concerned about my mother’s care” with Clare feeling helpless and facing a brick wall of “It’s because of the doctor strikes” she watched her mother’s condition worsen as there was no doctors to sign off on pain killers and antibiotics stating “it was like I was sat there watching my mother die”.

Many like Kathleen and Clare are dealing with the frustrations of lack of resources. This week alone consultant and junior doctors went on for 72 hours and followed suit leaving the nurses to shoulder the burden.

Clare commented, “the hospital knows what care needs to be given but can’t deliver due to the lack of doctors. And as a patient’s representative it’s hard take out our anger and frustration on the staff on the ward as they are the ones turning up and doing their job to the best of their ability.”

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities and highlighted the value of essential workers, including healthcare professionals. Despite their incredible efforts, many healthcare workers felt undervalued by their employers. The National Health Service (NHS) deserves immense praise for its role in navigating the UK through challenging times and should receive the care and consideration it deserves.

With media creating a new outlet, its crucial to understand ongoing challenges, including doctor strikes to help advocate for a fair healthcare system and support those working tirelessly. Our generation can contribute to positive change. Let Kathleen and Clare’s story inspire you to be empathetic and proactive. Every voice counts and every small step to change matters and find a better solution to strikes that will benefit all.