Publish date: 15 December 2025
An important message from Anna Richman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer:
The British Medical Association (BMA) has formally announced that resident doctors will undertake further industrial action from 7am on 17 December to 7am on 22 December 2025. This action coincides with a particularly busy period for all NHS trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside, and we anticipate a significant impact on our services.
We have once again updated the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help address common queries and concerns.
Mersey Care fully recognises the legal right of BMA members to participate in strike action. As we have done previously, we have robust plans in place to safely cover all inpatient areas in mental health and secure services. Some community resident doctor outpatient clinics have been rescheduled. Our priority remains to mitigate risks and maintain safe, accessible services for those who need care during this period.
There are no picket lines planned at Mersey Care sites. Those on any picket lines will understand that some colleagues will 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.
Thank you for your ongoing support, cooperation, professionalism, and commitment to patient care during this particularly busy time.
