Consultants' industrial action | News

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that consultant doctors will be taking strike action for 48 hours from 7am on Thursday, 24 August until 7am on Saturday, 26 August.

Consultants are senior doctors who not only see patients but are responsible for supervising junior doctors and other staff. During strike action some of our consultants will stop delivering care directly and supervising the work of junior staff.

This period of industrial action is followed by the August Bank Holiday which is traditionally a busy time when we see an increase in demand for our services.

We are working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.

Unfortunately, these strikes will have a significant impact upon planned and routine care and we are having to reschedule some appointments and procedures. We will contact anyone whose appointments are being affected. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.

Regardless of the strike action, it is important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

You can help us manage this challenging period by making sure you are seeking help from the most appropriate health services and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. If you are unwell, use NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs, or call 111.