British Medical Association (BMA) strikes from 13 July to 22 July

Industrial action is being carried out by both junior doctors and consultants in the coming days. Both periods of industrial action relate to the British Medical Association’s (BMA) ongoing dispute with the Government related to pay and working conditions. 

The strike involving junior doctors will last for five days, beginning at 7am on Thursday 13 July and ending at 7am on Tuesday 18 July. As with previous industrial action by junior doctors, there will be no derogated areas during the strike.   

Industrial action involving consultants will take place between 7am on Thursday 20 July and 7am on Saturday 22 July. The strike is intended to deliver levels of care similar to Christmas Day, meaning that emergency care will continue to be provided. 

Our priority is to deliver as much safe patient care as possible, but we expect this period of industrial action to significantly disrupt our activity.

We have been planning for this period of extended disruption. But we expect our services to be busy throughout the days leading up to, during and after the planned industrial action.  

Our services will only operate where it is safe to do so, and therefore the industrial action means that it will be necessary for us to cancel some appointments. All the affected patients will be contacted at the earliest opportunity.  

If we need to cancel appointments, we will contact those affected directly. Should patients not hear from us, the appointment is still planned to go ahead and they should attend as normal.

Due to the disruption, we expect much longer than usual waiting times, and it is always best in the first instance to use NHS 111 online to find the most appropriate healthcare option. It may be possible to see or speak to someone quicker by going through NHS 111 than by coming to hospital, which may not be the best place to receive treatment.

People will be seen if they attend our Emergency Department or Urgent Treatment Centre, however it may take longer than usual. If it is necessary to use our services, please be patient – our staff will be working extremely hard to see everyone as quickly as they can.  

We know that some patients have already had their care delayed by previous periods of industrial action. We are working hard to re-book everyone affected as soon as possible and appreciate their understanding.

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.