The NHS Alliance responds to BMA news on consultants taking strike action in November

Responding to the British Medical Association (BMA)'s announcement that consultants in England will take strike action in November, Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance, said:

“NHS leaders will be both astonished and dismayed by the BMA's decision to proceed with walk outs by consultants at a time when plans to restore waiting time targets hang by a thread and as teams make wider preparations for winter after a gruelling summer. Any decision to down tools risks throwing these plans further off course and will once again disrupt patient care while severely hitting NHS finances.

“A consultant walk out will result in non-urgent outpatient appointments, elective surgeries, and follow-ups being postponed or rescheduled. While this is needed in the interests of patient safety it will potentially leave patients in unnecessary pain, discomfort, and inconvenience.

“At a time when industrial action has already cost the NHS more than £3 billion over the last three years, this is the last thing patients need.

“Our members across the NHS will continue to try to provide the best care possible and maintain patient safety during any periods of industrial action.

“We urge the BMA's consultant committee to engage with the government and find a resolution so that strikes do not go ahead.”