NHS industrial action

Hospital consultants and Junior Doctors will be taking a further round of strike action in September and October, some of which will fall on the same days. They will also be joined this time by The Society of Radiographers. 

Consultants will strike for 48 hours from 7:00 on Tuesday 19 September to 7:00 on Thursday 21 September and then again for 72 hours from 7:00 Monday 2 October to 7:00 on Thursday 5 October.

Junior Doctors will also strike from 7:00 on Wednesday 20 September to 7:00 on Saturday 23 September and then again from Monday 2 October to Thursday 5 October.

The Society of Radiographers will also strike from 8:00 on Tuesday 3 October to 8:00 on Wednesday 4 October.

NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside are set to be severely impacted - with significant service disruption highly likely.

Hospital consultants are the NHS’s most senior clinicians, who’s roles cannot be covered by other staff.

Strike action by Hospital consultants will still deliver Christmas Day levels of care – meaning emergency departments will still be open and staffed with consultants, but disruption and longer waits should be expected.

We are now entering the tenth month of industrial action across the NHS and staff continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care under the circumstances.

NHS pay is a matter for the Government and trade unions.

• Frequently Asked Questions about NHS industrial action

The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably there will be some service disruption on strike days, with information about the impact of industrial action published nationally here.

Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual and life-threatening calls responded to. People should always call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.

Local services will keep their websites and social media accounts up-to-date with information about service disruption – so please check before you travel.

Irrespective of any industrial action, please do not hesitate to come forward to access care if you need it. We’re urging people to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call if they need urgent health advice on days of strike action.

NHS 111 Online can tell you:

• Where to get help for your symptoms
• How to find general health information and advice
• Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• How to get a repeat prescription