NHS Faces Flu Surge as Doctors Return to Work

Britain’s health minister Wes Streeting has pledged to do everything possible to prevent further strike action by hospital doctors, following their return to work on Monday after a five-day walkout across England.

The industrial action was organised by the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents qualified medical practitioners in England. The dispute centres on pay and working conditions and took place during one of the busiest periods for the National Health Service (NHS).

Streeting had previously criticised the strikes, describing them as “self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous,” as hospitals struggled with rising admissions linked to a sharp increase in flu cases. In a statement issued on Monday, he said he remained open to discussions aimed at ending what he called “damaging cycles of disruption.”

“I do not want to see a single day of industrial action in the NHS in 2026 and will be doing everything I can to make this a reality,” Streeting said. He confirmed that talks with the BMA are expected to resume early next year.

The BMA’s chair, Jack Fletcher, told Reuters that the union is seeking “less name-calling and more deal-making” in 2026. He urged the government to commit to creating new medical jobs and to introduce a multi-year plan to restore doctors’ pay.

“Strikes were not inevitable in 2025, and they are not inevitable in 2026 either,” Fletcher said.

Winter Pressures Intensify on NHS

The latest strike, which began on December 17, added significant strain to an already overstretched healthcare system. NHS England has warned that hospitals are facing a “worst-case scenario” as a virulent strain of flu spreads rapidly.

Hospitalisations for flu in England surged by more than 50% in early December, reaching an average of 2,660 patients per day — the highest level ever recorded for this time of year. Health leaders have said there is still no clear peak in sight.

Streeting acknowledged that the NHS managed to cope with the combined impact of strike action and rising flu cases, crediting the dedication of healthcare staff. However, he cautioned that the most challenging weeks of winter are still ahead.

The BMA represents resident doctors, who make up nearly half of England’s medical workforce, and has staged multiple walkouts since the pay dispute began under the previous Conservative government. The outcome of upcoming talks is likely to be crucial in determining whether further industrial action can be avoided in 2026