NHS Chief Says Doctors Strike Timed to Cause Havoc Over Easter

The chief executive of NHS England, Sir Jim Mackey, has claimed that the latest industrial action by resident doctors in England was deliberately timed to cause havoc by coinciding with the Easter holiday period.

The walkout, which began on April 7, 2026, is a six-day action involving thousands of resident doctors—formerly known as junior doctors—who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA).

According to Sir Jim Mackey, the timing of the strike has made it significantly more difficult for hospitals to maintain safe staffing levels and fill rotas, as many medical staff were already away on scheduled Easter breaks.

Impact on Hospital Rotas and Patient Care

Sir Jim Mackey stated that hospitals have struggled to find sufficient replacement doctors to cover the gaps left by those participating in the six-day walkout.

In a letter addressed to NHS leadership on April 7, 2026, Mackey noted that the disruption is particularly challenging for hospitals attempting to manage staffing requirements immediately following the Easter weekend.

The NHS England chief expressed concern that this specific stoppage could undermine recent efforts to improve public satisfaction and reduce waiting times for medical care across the health service.

In that context it’s really disappointing that the BMA resident doctors committee has gone ahead with further industrial action. I know today has been tough for staff picking up the strain across the country – and how disruptive and challenging it’s been for many hospitals to manage it and fill their rotas after the Easter weekend.

Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England

Context of the Industrial Dispute

This current action marks the 15th strike since March 2023, reflecting a long-running dispute between the BMA and the government regarding pay and job conditions.

The six-day duration of this particular walkout represents the longest period of continuous industrial action taken by resident doctors to date in this dispute.

The scale of the disruption is attributed to the fact that fewer personnel were available to be on duty during this strike compared to previous walkouts, due to the overlap with the holiday period.