
British Medical Association (BMA) industrial action in September
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced further industrial action will take place in relation to an ongoing pay dispute with the UK Government.
A two-day strike involving consultants will take place from 7am on 19 and 20 September, which will take the form of Christmas Day cover.
For the first time, consultants and junior doctors will take industrial action on the same day. The BMA has announced that junior doctors will take industrial action on Wednesday 20 September with Christmas day levels of staffing and will also strike on 21 and 22 September.
In October, both consultants and junior doctors are planning to provide Christmas Day levels of staffing only from 2 to 4 October.
Our primary focus on these strike days is to maintain services for patients who need emergency and life-preserving care.
We are contacting patients directly if this means that their appointment will need to be postponed. We understand how disappointing and concerning this will be for those waiting for treatment and we are very sorry this is the case. We know how frustrating it is when appointments are rearranged, but we urge people to be kind and respectful towards our staff making these calls, and please know that we are working hard to reschedule these as quickly as possible.
If you do not hear from us, please attend your hospital appointment as planned.
If you need medical care or advice, please call the NHS 111 helpline, or visit NHS 111 Online.
Contact NHS 111 if:
- You need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.
- You don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call.
- You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service; or you require health information or reassurance about what to do next.
GP practices, pharmacies, Norwich Walk-In Centre and Cromer Minor Injuries Unit remain open during this strike action.