Industrial action

Our colleagues at the British Medical Association (BMA) have formally confirmed that the next round of strikes by junior doctors will take place for six days from 7am on 3 January to 7am on 9 January 2024.

This action is taking place at a very busy time of the year, and all NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside are set to be impacted, with significant service disruption very likely.

We have updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace.

Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of BMA members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. We have plans in place to safely cover all inpatient areas in mental health and secure services. A number of community junior doctor outpatient clinics have been rearranged. All our plans include mitigating risks in these areas to ensure that our services remain safe and accessible for people who need them during these periods of industrial action.

There are no picket lines planned on Mersey Care sites, but they will be collectively held at acute hospital sites. Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal, and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleagues crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

We recognise that the decision to take part in industrial action remains a heartfelt, personal one and we would encourage all staff to remember our core values and show respect and civility to all colleagues.

Once again, thank you for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism and commitment to patient care.

Our colleagues at the British Medical Association (BMA) have formally confirmed further rounds of strikes by the junior doctors. The first one in December, followed by six days of further strike action from 7am on 3 January to 7am on 9 January 2024.

The first walkout is scheduled to take place from 7am on the 20 December to 7am on the 23 December 2023.

The action is taking place at a very busy time of the year, and all NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside are set to be impacted, with significant service disruption very likely.

We have updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace.

Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of BMA members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. We have plans in place to safely cover all inpatient areas in mental health and secure services. A number of community junior doctor outpatient clinics have been rearranged. All our plans include mitigating risks in these areas to make sure that our services remain safe and accessible for people who need them during these periods of industrial action.

There are no picket lines planned on Mersey Care sites, but they will be collectively held at acute hospital sites. Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal, and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleagues crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

We recognise that the decision to take part in industrial action remains a heartfelt, personal one and we would encourage all staff to remember our core values and show respect and civility to all colleagues.

As always, thank you for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism, and commitment to patient care, especially at this time of the year.

The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal Society of Radiographers (SoR) have formally confirmed that strike action will take place on the dates below:

The consultants and junior doctors’ strike action is not a full walk out, a ‘Christmas Day’ level of care will be provided as a minimum. The radiographers action is a full walk out which will affect services delivered by the below Trusts:

• Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
• Liverpool University Hospital’s Foundation Trust (A&E emergencies only, Litherland and St Chads X-ray will be closed)
• Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals
• Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
• The Walton Centre

All NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside are set to be impacted, with significant service disruption very likely.

We have updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace.

Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of BMA/SoR members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. We have plans in place to safely cover all inpatient areas in mental health and secure services. All our plans include mitigating risks in these areas to make sure that our services remain safe and accessible for people who need them during this period of industrial action.

There are no picket lines planned on Mersey Care sites, but they will be collectively held at acute hospital sites. Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal, and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleague crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

We recognise that the decision to take part in industrial action is a heartfelt, personal one and we would encourage all staff to remember our core values and show respect and civility to all colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism and commitment to patient care.

The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) have formally confirmed that joint strike action will take place on the dates listed as below:

This Consultant strike action is not a full walk out, a ‘Christmas Day’ level of care will be provided as a minimum . The Junior Doctors will provide a “Christmas Day” level of care on Wednesday 20 September for 24 hours, followed by a full walkout. All NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside are set to be impacted, with significant service disruption very likely.

We have updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace.

Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of BMA/HCSA members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. We have plans in place to safely cover all inpatient areas in mental health and secure services. All our plans include mitigating risks in these areas to make sure that our services remain safe and accessible for people who need them during this period of industrial action.

There are no picket lines planned on Mersey Care sites, but they will be collectively held at acute hospital sites. Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal, and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleague crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

We recognise that the decision to take part in industrial action is a heartfelt, personal one and we would encourage all staff to remember our core values and show respect and civility to all colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism and commitment to patient care.

Our Royal College of Nursing (RCN) colleagues have formally confirmed that national strike action will take place from 8pm on Sunday, 30 April until 11.59pm on Monday, 1 May 2023. We have updated our FAQs which are available on YourSpace and they will continue to be updated and shared with you.

Mersey Care recognises the legal right to strike and will work with the RCN to do what we can to ensure our services stay safe and effective for people who need them during this period of industrial action.

Picket lines are expected at Old Swan Walk In Centre. Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as usual from this site and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleague crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

Staff are also reminded that in the event of a major incident being declared, our Major Incident Plan states that staff can be recalled to work, are expected to respond outside of their contracted hours, and be fit and ready to work.

We will continue to remind the public that irrespective of action taking place, they should seek health care advice from NHS 111 Online, their GP, or visit a pharmacist. And it is really important to seek emergency care if required.

We recognise taking strike action is a heartfelt personal decision and we continue to encourage all staff to remember our core values and respect and civility during these challenging times.

On 6 and 7 February 2023 several trade unions will take part in industrial action that will affect our staff directly, or the staff in neighbouring organisations. Below is a summary of the upcoming action:

• 6 February: GMB (00.01 to 23.59 hours) our GMB colleagues have formally confirmed that Mersey Care members will take strike action and derogations are agreed.

• 6 February: NWAS, (GMB and Unite - 08.00 to 20.00 hours) Mersey Care staff are not part of this strike. Our clinical cell will be available to support managing our patients during this period of industrial action. Our escalation flow chart and supporting information is available on YourSpace. Our guidance around inpatient falls prevention is available here.

• 6 and 7 February: The Royal College of Nursing (08.00 to 20.00 hours) Mersey Care staff are not part of this action. We may however see increased demand in our services because of the strikes in neighbouring organisations.

Regarding the GMB strike that affects the staff at Mersey Care directly on the 6, Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of GMB members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. We have worked with GMB to agree derogations.

A derogation is when an individual or service is granted an exemption from taking part in strike action. 

Derogations have been agreed for 6 February 2023, GMB members can still choose to take industrial action. The agreed derogations for 6 February are as follows:

• Night time shifts on 5 into 6 and 6 into 7 February for the Whalley Site, Rowan View, Clock View and Windsor House
• Day shift on 6 February at Clock View and Windsor House.

Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleague crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care.

Although not confirmed as yet, we understand that picket lines will be in place at the Whalley and Clock View Hospital sites.

As always, thank you for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism, and commitment to patient care.

Ahead of the planned industrial action by GMB members on 18 January 2023 (00.01 to 23.59 hours), GMB have worked with the Trust to provide some derogations / emergency cover for services.

Derogations allow specific roles and services to be exempted from industrial action, which can support colleagues in achieving both striking and maintaining patient safety. 

While derogations have been agreed by the GMB for 18 January 2023, GMB members can still choose to take industrial action.

The agreed derogations for 18 January are as follows:

• Night time shifts on 17 into 18 and 18 into 19 January for the Whalley Site, Rowan View, Clock View and Windsor House
• Day shift on 18 January at Clock View and Windsor House.

The list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace.

Our colleagues in the GMB have formally confirmed that strike action will take place on 18 January 2023 (00.01 to 23.59 hours).

We have updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on YourSpace here. These will be updated as and when we receive more information.

Mersey Care recognises the legal mandate of GMB members to withdraw their labour and take strike action. Derogations allow specific roles and services to be exempt from industrial action, which can support colleagues in achieving both striking and maintaining patient safety. (A derogation is when an individual or service is granted an exemption from taking part in strike action).

We are working in partnership with local and regional GMB representatives to understand our safer staffing requirements and the derogations required to make sure our services remain safe and effective for people who need them during this period of industrial action. GMB has informed their members that they are working with the Trust to try to provide some derogations/emergency cover for services. If any staff wish to provide cover during this strike period, please make urgent contact with GMB Branch Secretary: Christopher.Chamley@merseycare.nhs.uk. Your local GMB stewards will also be able to assist with any queries in respect of the industrial action.

Those on the picket line will understand that some colleagues need to work as normal, and in doing so are supporting an effective strike. There are no issues with any colleague crossing a picket line if they are going into their workplace to provide essential patient care. Picket lines will be in place at Whalley and Clock View Hospital sites. We recognise the decision to take part in industrial action is a heartfelt personal one for you and we would encourage all staff to remember our core values, and to always show respect and civility during these potentially difficult times.

Once again, thank you for your support, cooperation, professionalism and commitment to patient care.

Our colleagues in the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have formally confirmed that national strike action will take place on the 15 and 20 December 2022.

1119 of Mersey Care RCN members cast their vote in the ballot, of which the majority voted in favour of strike action. On the days of national strike action, all non essential meetings should be cancelled.

We have developed a set of FAQs and they will be frequently updated and shared with you.

Mersey Care recognises the legal right to strike and will work with the RCN to do what we can to ensure our services stay safe and effective for people who need them during this period of industrial action.

We recognise this has probably been a heartfelt personal decision for you, but we would encourage all staff to remember our core values and respect and civility during these potentially difficult times.

We have now received a list of service derogations from the Royal College of Nursing. We are still awaiting an update for some services, please keep checking this page for any additional derogations granted.

Our frequently asked questions have been updated here