Consultants and specialist doctors to begin strike action

Consultants and specialist doctors to begin strike actionImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The British Medical Association balloted its members over a four-week periodByClaire QuinnBBC News NIPublishedJust nowConsultants and specialist doctors are taking part in industrial action over pay.This is the first time these two groups of doctors have gone on strike in Northern Ireland, and while most routine and elective services will be cancelled, full emergency cover will remain in place.The 24-hour industrial action begins at 07:00 BST on Thursday until 06:59 on Friday, but there will be no picket line demonstrations.Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he was disappointed the doctors were proceeding with strike action, and he remained committed to implementing this year's pay award but was currently unable to do so in the absence of an agreed budget.The British Medical Association (BMA) balloted its members over a four-week period after doctors' leaders rejected a recommended 3.5% pay uplift from an independent pay body.A separate 24-hour walkout will take place on Monday 29 June. Hospital doctors to strike in dispute over payPublished8 JuneSpecialist doctors to join strike in dispute over payPublished12 JuneBackdated health workers' pay award to go ahead, says minister Published6 November 2025Earlier this month it was announced that 92% of resident doctors voted yes and 79% of consultants voted for strike action.The BMA also said 90% of SAS (specialist, associate specialist and speciality) doctors voted in favour of strike action.Both branches of practice voted in favour of industrial action in what they said was "over 18 years of pay erosion".Representatives from the BMA will go to Stormont on Thursday where they will meet with the chair and deputy chair of the assembly's health committee to discuss the pay dispute.Image caption, Dr David Farren said there was a "palpable sense of anger" among hospital doctorsDr David Farre...