Published 26th March 2026

Responding to the announced six-day resident doctors' strike in April, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said: 

“It is deeply frustrating that talks between the government and the BMA have broken down once again. Patients were led to believe that progress was finally within reach, but instead they now face yet another wave of disruption to their care. This breakdown is not just a failure of negotiations; it is a failure for patients. 

“Resident doctors have now taken strike action 14 times since 2023. This would be another week of cancelled appointments, postponed operations, and uncertainty. Behind the numbers are patients left waiting longer in pain, anxiety, and deteriorating health. Our recent survey found that 76% of respondents said long waits for care had worsened their physical health and symptoms.  

“Now, patients are facing the prospect of the longest single walkout of this dispute, immediately following the Easter bank holiday: a moment that will intensify disruption across an already stretched system. As one patient told us 'I have been waiting for stoma surgery for two years, and it has significantly affected my quality of life, leading to depression.'

“Patients did not cause this dispute, yet they continue to bear the heaviest burden. Patients cannot be expected to endure any more — facing pain, cancelled operations and mounting anxiety, at a time when everyday pressures on households continue to grow. A resolution must be found urgently.” 

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Notes to editors 

For interviews, comment or further information, please contact:  [email protected]

The recent survey mentioned is yet to be published. Contact [email protected] for more information.