Six weeks ahead of the vote closing, the BMA confirmed the dates of the 48 hour potential strike – from 20 until 21 July 2023.
The form of strike action the BMA asked members to vote on would deliver ‘Christmas Day’ levels of care. They have said this would ensure that emergency care would continue to be provided, but elective or non-emergency work would need to be cancelled. You can read more on their website here.
This strike action will follow the junior doctors and trainees five day industrial action between 7am on Thursday 13 July and 7am on Tuesday 18 July in England and we note that the corresponding action in Scotland on 12 and 15 July has been cancelled while members vote on the offer from the Scottish Government.
Following the announcement the RCPCH said:
As a Royal College we are deeply disturbed that so many paediatricians across different grades have expressed a desire to take industrial action. This is not a decision that any doctor, trainee or consultant will have taken lightly.
We are very clear that taking industrial action is a personal choice and we are here to support all our members, whatever decision they make.
In terms of the consultant vote in England, we know that given the 6-week advance notice from the BMA means local trusts will be working hard to plan and mitigate interruptions to service delivery during this period and to ensure what’s known as ‘Christmas Day cover’ will be provided.
At the same time, any industrial action will strain a system already under pressure. We are highly aware that recent GMC reporting shows morale across the NHS is plunging in every country, and there is an urgent need for workforce support. As a Royal College we are steadfast in our call that Government must immediately negotiate with the health care unions and openly discuss the options available for a swift resolution.
While we do not have a role in the negotiation of terms and conditions of contracts, or pay, we are continuing to work within our remit to voice our concerns. For example, the NHS workforce plan was published last week in England, and we are raising concerns as to how exactly the workforce plan will address the needs of children and young people and the workforce which supports them. However more detail will be needed on what this means for the child health workforce as there is scant reference to children in the plan. We are already taking this up with NHS England and calling for change.
Children, young people, families, patients and the public deserve to have the best NHS care possible, and they will only do so when their NHS workforce is valued, receives investment and is truly supported.