Junior Doctors Industrial Action

Posted: 13/03/23

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced its junior doctors in England will be taking industrial action beginning with a full 72-hour walkout in March.

Continuous strike action – day and night – will begin at 7am on Monday 13 March and continue until 7am on Thursday 16 March with many of our junior doctors at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust taking part.

We are working very hard to ensure that our services continue and have put plans in place to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.

There will be no disruption to our crisis services.

Frequently asked questions

What is happening?

Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the Government over the 2022/2023 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action. This is the first round of action by the BMA and continuous strike action is expected to take place on Monday 13 March to Thursday 16 March and will include junior doctors from our Trust.

The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible but pay is a matter for the Government and the trade unions.

What if I have an appointment on strike days?

Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned, unless we have contacted you to reschedule. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as normal.

Will emergency care be affected on strike days?

Emergency and urgent care will remain open. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal. If someone is seriously ill or injured please call 999.

For non-threatening illnesses and injuries, use 111.nhs.uk, which is available 24 hours a day, or contact your local community pharmacist or GP practice.

If you need urgent help with your mental health you can get in touch with one of our crisis teams 24 hours a day.

Will GP services be affected on strike days?

GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.

Is there anything I should do now?

No. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes?

No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. If you are not sure if your appointment is going ahead, please contact the department in your letter.

How long will services be impacted?

This is a continuous 72-hour strike which means industrial action will start on Monday 13 March and last until Thursday 16 March and last over the course of those days and nights.