More junior doctor strikes to take place in December and January
The strikes are part of an ongoing dispute over pay between the BMA - representing junior doctors - and the Department of Health and Social Care. They follow similar strikes over pay that took place earlier in the year.
In a press release published by the BMA, Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi said that the 3% pay increase offered after the previous round of strikes was "not sufficient to make up for 15 years of declining pay".
However, Drs Laurenson and Trivedi also noted that "[they] can still avoid the need for these strikes [...] If a credible offer can be presented the day before, or even during any action, these strikes can be cancelled."
The strikes will affect services across England, including hospitals in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
When are the junior doctors strikes happening?
The first strike is planned to last for three days, beginning at 7am on Wednesday 20 December 2023, and continuing until 7am on Saturday 23 December 2023.
The second strike is planned to last for six days, beginning at 7am on Wednesday 3 January 2024, and continuing until 7am on Tuesday 9 January 2024.
Local NHS leaders have said that these strikes will directly impact the following trusts:
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
- Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
- Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust
In its own press release, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust (SaTH) has warned that the strikes will mean Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will be "facing significant pressure and disruption".
They are encouraging people to carefully choose which services they use, and if they are not sure, to call NHS 111 for advice.
From SaTH's announcement, here are some key points to remember during the junior doctors strike:
- Life-threatening emergency or serious injury: call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E)
- For medical attention and advice – use NHS 111 as the first port of call. The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. NHS 111 is available on the NHS app, NHS 111 online or call 111.
- Local Minor Injury Units, GP surgeries and pharmacies are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
- If the NHS has not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Will the upcoming strikes affect your care? Or has your care been affected by the other strikes this year? We want to hear all about your experiences. Click the 'Have your say' button below to tell us your stories.
