NHS consultants set two-day November strike
NHS consultants in England will stage a two-day strike in November, the British Medical Association said. BBC News and The Guardian said the walkout starts November 25 with only emergency Christmas Day cover. NHS bosses warned patients will face pain, discomfort, and inconvenience during the action.
Consultant doctors in England will stage a two-day strike next month in a dispute over pay and working conditions. BBC News and The Guardian reported the British Medical Association announcement. The walkout begins November 25 at 06:59 GMT, with consultants staffing emergency care only under Christmas Day cover rules.
That cover level is likely to hit most routine and planned services. Talks with the government had been under way for the past month after consultants voted for action. More than three-quarters of consultants who took part in the BMA ballot backed strikes, The Guardian said.
Consultants earn an average of about £152,000 a year including overtime on the Guardian figure. NHS bosses warned patients will suffer pain, discomfort, and inconvenience. The government had not posted a fresh settlement offer on the early pages.
Hospital strikes usually force trusts to cancel elective lists and protect A&E. Patients awaiting surgery often bear the largest delay. The pages did not list how many operations might be postponed.
What we know: England's consultants will strike for two days from November 25 with emergency-only cover.
What we don't: Whether last-minute talks will avert or shorten the walkout.
Where outlets agree BBC News and The Guardian report the BMA's two-day November strike plan for consultants.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.