British Medical Association (BMA) strikes from 24 August to 26 August

Industrial action is being carried out by consultant members of the British Medical Association (BMA), as part of the unions ongoing dispute with the Government related to pay and working conditions.

The strike involving consultants will last for 48-hours, beginning at 7am on Thursday 24 August and ending at 7am on Saturday 26 August. Levels of care similar to Christmas Day will be delivered during the strike meaning that emergency care will continue to be provided.

With this period of industrial action preceding a busy bank holiday weekend, we expect our services to be busy both during and after the strike.

Waiting times are likely to be longer than usual. Should you need to attend our Urgent Treatment Centre or Emergency Department, you will be seen however ask everyone to please remain patient with our staff who will be working hard to see you as quickly as they can.

Members of the public are asked to use local health services wisely during the upcoming industrial action. If you are unsure what to do, please use NHS 111 online in the first instance. You should continue to contact 999 in an emergency.

This period of industrial action will also affect our planned appointments, treatments, and procedures. As part of our efforts to maintain services, it may be necessary to cancel some appointments at short notice including on the day. We will contact all patients affected as soon as possible.

Where patients have had their appointment or treatment rearranged on more than one occasion due to industrial action, we are working to ensure they are seen as soon as possible.

We will contact you directly if we need to cancel your appointment. If you do not hear from us, you should attend the hospital as planned. However, some appointments may need to be cancelled on the day and we apologise that this will cause concern.

This dispute is a matter between the Government and British Medical Association; however, we know that it addresses issues of real concern. We continue to hope that a resolution is reached soon.