Resident doctors protesting, holding signs that read "Patients Need Doctors, Doctors Need Jobs" and "£18.62/hour is not a fair wage for a resident doctor". Credit: James Manning/PA Wire

Doctors are planning to strike despite a flu outbreak sweeping across the UK.

In the past week, they have declared a critical incident due to the latest strain of flu taking hold.

People holding orange umbrellas and a sign that reads "PATIENTS NEED DOCTORS, DOCTORS NEED JOBS" in front of a hospital sign. Resident doctors are scheduled to strike on December 15 Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire Protesters at a resident doctors' industrial action holding signs that read 'PAY RESTORATION FOR DOCTORS' and '£18.62/HOUR IS NOT A FAIR WAGE FOR A RESIDENT DOCTOR.' As the flu outbreak impacts the UK, doctors have been urged to reconsider striking Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire Resident doctors on strike outside St. Thomas' Hospital holding signs that indicate £18.62/hour is not a fair wage for a resident doctor. A&E departments are under significant pressure Credit: James Manning/PA Wire

This strain is reportedly causing 1,700 patients to be hospitalized each week, which is a 50 percent increase compared to this time last year.

Today, hospital officials stated that they are under “immense pressure” and urged resident doctors to accept pay deals to prevent strikes.

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Protesters holding signs that read "Patients Need Doctors, Doctors Need Jobs" and "£18.62/hour is not a fair wage for a resident doctor". Resident Doctors are anticipated to strike for five days Credit: James Manning/PA Wire

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are doctors planning to strike?

Doctors are planning to strike due to ongoing issues related to pay and working conditions, particularly amid a flu outbreak that is placing additional strain on the healthcare system.

What is the current situation with the flu outbreak?

The latest strain of flu is causing a significant increase in hospitalizations, with 1,700 patients being admitted each week, marking a 50 percent rise compared to the previous year.

When are the strikes scheduled to take place?

The resident doctors are scheduled to strike on December 15 and are expected to continue for five days.