Consultants' vote – Trusts relieved but NHS strikes threat lingers

Senior doctors have voted in a British Medical Association ballot to accept a government pay offer.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"This is welcome news for trust leaders.

"We aren't out of the woods yet, however, with junior doctors having voted for more strikes and industrial action while other specialty and specialist doctors have rejected a government pay offer.

"Hugely disruptive and costly strikes in the NHS can't become 'business as usual'. Remaining concerns must be resolved. Industrial action takes a toll on patients, staff and stretched services. 

"We urge politicians and unions to find a way to end all disputes."