Publish date: 11 July 2023
Our colleagues at the British Medical Association (BMA); the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) and the British Dental Association (BDA) have formally confirmed that strike action will take place by junior doctors from Thursday, 13 July 2023 (7am) until Tuesday, 18 July (7am).
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 and BDA 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 this period of industrial action.
There are no picket lines planned at 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 anyone 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 once again for your continued support, cooperation, professionalism and commitment to patient care.