Dear colleagues,

Thank you letter to NHS staff from the Secretary of State and the NHS Chief Executive

We wanted to thank you all for your efforts over the past few days to keep our NHS services running for patients during the latest round of industrial action.

Following the superb response earlier in the year, it is sometimes harder to do it all over again the next time. But you have not only equalled your achievements from the summer, in many places you have surpassed them.

We know the time, energy and expertise that goes into this – not just on the strike days themselves, but in the days and weeks beforehand as you plan and prepare.

We also know that for lots of you – including many resident doctors – working during strikes is incredibly challenging and is often accompanied by annual leave being rearranged, long hours being worked, and personal plans being cancelled.

To those who have made sacrifices, and to those who have supported your colleagues through the past few days, you have our heartfelt thanks – and your patients will also be incredibly grateful for your commitment to them.

While this period of industrial action has come to an end, we know the weeks and months ahead of us will not be easy. Winter is now upon us, and we know that the flu season is yet to peak. It is so important that we do everything we can to maintain the high standards you have set, and to continue to look after our colleagues and demonstrate the outstanding teamwork of which you should all be so proud.

We also remain dedicated to doing all we can to avoid any further rounds of industrial action. Not just because of the toll it takes on our staff and patients, but because we are genuinely committed to improving working lives and conditions for our resident doctors, as we are for all NHS workers. This has, and will continue to be, the starting point for all our conversations with the BMA.

Thank you once again for the part you have played over the last few days, and for all that you do each and every day on behalf of our patients. 

Yours sincerely

Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England