British Medical Association (BMA) strikes from Tuesday 19 September to Saturday 23 September

For the first time in NHS history, industrial action is being carried out by consultants and junior doctors simultaneously. This is part of an ongoing dispute between the British Medical Association and the Government over pay and working conditions.

Throughout this period, we will continue to provide our emergency care services.

Beginning at 7am on Tuesday 19 September and lasting until 7am on Thursday 21 September, consultant members of the BMA will participate in strike action. During this period, agreed derogations mean that levels of care provided by consultants will be like those on Christmas Day.

Additionally, from 7am on Wednesday 20 September, junior doctors will begin their period of industrial action. For the first 24 hours, until 7am on Thursday 21 September, junior doctors will strike with similar levels of care to Christmas Day.

Beginning at 7am on Thursday 21 September, as industrial action by consultants concludes, junior doctors will escalate their strike to a full walkout across all areas.

This is the first time that we have managed simultaneous strike action by both junior and senior doctors. While we have worked hard to plan for this period to ensure we can deliver as much safe patient care as possible, we know that this period will have a significant impact on the services we provide.

To help protect the care we provide, we’re asking members of the public to use local health services wisely. Please contact NHS 111 online in the first instance for advice and guidance, while continuing to contact 999 in an emergency.

It will be necessary to cancel some planned treatments, procedures, and appointments during the strike. Every patient affected will be contacted at the earliest opportunity. If you do not hear from us, please attend the hospital as planned.

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.