‘Knackered’ consultants fume as resident doctors set to walk out

WorldHealth & Fitness
6 Apr 2026 • 11:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A six-day walkout by senior doctors, represented by the British Medical Association (BMA), is set to cause significant disruption to the NHS, starting immediately after the bank holiday weekend.
  • Healthcare leaders have warned that the industrial action will lead to weeks of chaos for patients, with appointments and surgeries cancelled and staff needing leave after covering shifts.
  • The government withdrew an offer of 1,000 additional training places after talks with the BMA collapsed, leading to the confirmation of the walkout.
  • Some consultants expressed frustration, saying they feel “knackered” and the BMA is losing their support, with one claiming the union is “trying to put me in an early grave”.
  • NHS England urged patients to attend planned appointments unless contacted, while the head of the NHS in England indicated a future shift towards clinical models to reduce reliance on resident doctors.

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