Consultants, Junior Doctors and Radiographer’s industrial action

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.