NHS Industrial Action

The British Medical Association (BMA), and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) are to take strike action from 7am on Wednesday,  3 January until 7am on Tuesday, 9 January.

This is a continuation of action and colleagues continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care under the circumstances.

During these strikes, other doctors, including Consultants and other specialist Doctors will still be working and the NHS will be working closely with unions to discuss any patient safety concerns and ensure that safe staffing for emergency care continues to be available.

There is likely to be significant impact upon local services: We’re working this through across different services. Thank you to everybody involved in this and continuing to keep our patients safe. Please be aware that you will be contacted if your appointment or procedure cannot go ahead during this time. Please continue to attend your appointments unless told otherwise. GP practices continue to be open during this period.

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

Patients should take advice from 111 / 999 call-handlers on whether there are circumstances where it is suitable for them to make their own way to hospital. During strike days, it is likely 999 and 111 call handlers will be very busy, this may mean longer call response times. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online.

We are also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.