NHS Records Busiest Ever A&E Month as Doctors' Strikes Continue
The NHS has recorded its busiest ever month for accident and emergency attendances, with 2.43 million visits in March 2026 — surpassing the previous record set in May 2024 — even as ongoing doctors' strikes continue to place significant pressure on the health service.
Despite the record attendances, NHS England reported that A&E waiting times have fallen to a five-year low, a result that health service leaders attributed to significant improvements in patient flow and the dedication of NHS staff working through what they described as a "prolonged winter."
Background
The NHS has been under sustained pressure for several years, with rising demand, workforce shortages, and the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic all contributing to significant challenges. Doctors' strikes, which have continued into April 2026, have added further strain, with NHS England urging patients to seek care as normal during periods of industrial action.
Key Developments
The latest round of industrial action by doctors was scheduled to end on 13 April, following a six-day strike that began on 7 April. NHS staff worked to minimise disruption, but the strikes have been criticised for harming the health service and dividing the medical profession. A doctors' leader claimed that a reduced pay offer had negatively impacted chances of ending the dispute.
The NHS waiting list has continued to decline, reaching its lowest point in almost three years, even amidst the busiest winter on record. Over 9 million A&E attendances were recorded between November and February.
In a concerning development, the NHS recorded a three-year high in attacks on its staff, with almost one in seven (14.47%) experiencing physical assault by patients or the public last year. A record percentage of staff also reported unwanted sexual behaviour.
On a more positive note, the new GLP-1 drug semaglutide (Wegovy) is expected to be available on the NHS within months, projected to be offered to 1.2 million people with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Why It Matters
The record A&E attendances reflect both the growing demand for NHS services and the success of efforts to keep patients out of hospital through better community care. However, the ongoing doctors' strikes and staff safety concerns highlight the significant challenges facing the health service.
What's Next
The government's NHS 10 Year Health Plan is expected to set out a long-term vision for the health service, with a focus on shifting care from hospitals to communities and investing in prevention. The resolution of the doctors' dispute remains a priority for the Health Secretary.
Read more at NHS England.
