Commenting on ongoing industrial action by a range of healthcare professionals, Dr Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “These remain extremely difficult times for all those working in health and social care. A workforce crisis is at the heart of the problem and there will be no NHS urgent and emergency care recovery without a people recovery.
“We are losing large numbers of staff and we urgently need retention plans alongside those to attract back colleagues who have left the NHS and ambitious long-term recruitment plans. It is imperative that those working in health and social care are engendered with a belief that the situation will improve.
“The current strike action from a range of healthcare professionals reflects these concerns and staff burn out. It is essential that that staff feel supported and valued; pay and conditions are vital components of achieving this.
“It is imperative that a resolution to the strikes is found and that Government sits down with union representatives so this can be facilitated. Any further escalation of strikes will impact the essential recovery plans with impacts for patient care if this is not achieved.”