Health policy
Consultant doctors in England call off planned two-day strike
The planned 25 and 26 November strike is paused while consultants’ union enters formal talks with the government.
Consultant doctors in England have called off their planned two-day strike on 25 and 26 November to enter formal negotiations with the government, the British Medical Association (BMA) said. The action was paused after meetings with Health Secretary Yvette Cooper.
During the strike, consultants were due to provide emergency care only. The Guardian reported that this would probably have delayed routine and elective services. Cooper said calling off the action was welcome news for patients and the NHS.
The BMA says consultants’ pay has fallen by a quarter in real terms over the past 17 years and is seeking changes to pay and working conditions. Consultants received a 3.5% pay increase this year. Government sources told the BBC that a larger increase this year was not on the table, while the Guardian reported that negotiations are due to start next week.
