Medical professionals at a senior level in England are prepared to go on strike, as asserted by the British Medical Association.

In a significant development, a survey conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) has revealed that a majority of senior doctors in England, including consultants and SAS doctors, are prepared to take industrial action over pay issues.

The survey results, released in July, indicate that 67% of the consultants who participated would be willing to walk out, and an impressive 82% of SAS doctors are in favour of industrial action. A total of 10,763 out of 16,082 consultants, and 2,409 out of 2,952 SAS doctors, said yes when asked about industrial action, including strikes.

Dr Ujjwala Mohite, chairwoman of the BMA's SAS committee, stated that SAS doctors are willing to fight for improvements to pay, career progression, and development. She added that these doctors, often referred to as the "unsung heroes of the NHS," are tired of being overlooked and undervalued.

The current UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, with whom consultant and SAS doctor representatives will likely be negotiating next weekend, has expressed that the Government values NHS doctors and wants to work with them to enhance their working conditions and rebuild the NHS. However, the Government's ambitions to improve health services and the health of the nation cannot be done without the most expert clinicians, according to the Secretary of State.

The medics, previously known as junior doctors, are currently in negotiations. Representatives of consultants and SAS doctors are preparing to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting for talks next week. Meanwhile, representatives of SAS doctors are looking forward to getting around the table to discuss how ministers can properly value and support SAS doctors with the BMA.

The survey results come at a time when the Government is in dispute with resident doctors in England over pay. The medics staged strikes from July 25 to July 30, and consultants in England were involved in strikes between July and October 2023.

Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta, co-chairs of the union's consultants committee, stated that the erosion to their pay, pensions, and professionalism over the last decade is a cause for deep concern among the doctors. According to the BMA, this year's 4% pay uplift for the medics still represents a 26% real-terms pay cut for consultants compared to 2008/09 and a 24% cut for SAS doctors.

The Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated that consultants have seen their pay increase by 22% over the past three years, with an average salary of £145,000 a year. However, the BMA argues that these increases do not compensate for the erosion of pay over the past decade.

The BMA and the Government will need to find a solution that addresses the concerns of senior doctors in England. The potential for industrial action could have significant implications for the NHS and the health of the nation.

Medical professionals at a senior level in England are prepared to go on strike, as asserted by the British Medical Association.