Junior doctors in England initiated the longest strike in NHS history on January 3, leading to the cancellation of over 337,000 appointments and operations in London.
The six-day walkout by thousands of medics, organized by the British Medical Association, revolves around a contentious pay dispute.
Health officials are concerned about the widespread impact on routine services, forcing the NHS to prioritize urgent and emergency care.
Talks between Health Secretary Victoria Atkins and the BMA collapsed last month, with the government insisting on halting negotiations unless strike action was called off. The Standard's analysis revealed that London accounted for over a quarter of the nationally canceled operations and procedures, with Barking, Havering, and Redbridge NHS Trust being significantly affected.
The NHS cautioned that the strikes, potentially involving up to half of England's medical workforce, might result in the most challenging start to the year for the healthcare system.
Despite the disruption, patients are encouraged to seek care if needed, especially in emergencies.
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