Consultants and Junior Doctors industrial action

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.