Consultants and specialist doctors in Northern Ireland conducted a 24-hour strike beginning at 07:00 BST on Thursday and ending at 07:00 on Friday, marking the first time these groups engaged in industrial action in the region. Emergency services remained fully operational, and the Department of Health reported that 90% of routine and elective services proceeded as scheduled, though some appointments and procedures were rescheduled across various health trusts.
The British Medical Association balloted its members over a four-week period following rejection of a recommended 3.5% pay uplift from an independent pay body. Support for strike action was substantial, with 92% of resident doctors, 79% of consultants, and 90% of SAS (specialist, associate specialist and speciality) doctors voting in favour. Union representatives characterized the action as addressing over 18 years of pay erosion and cited concerns about recruiting and retaining doctors in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed disappointment with the strike but stated he remained committed to implementing the recommended pay award pending budget approval. He noted that increasing pay beyond the 3.5% recommendation would create repercussions for other public sector workers including nurses, teachers, and police officers. BMA officials argued the current offer did not constitute parity with doctors in England, Scotland, and Wales, asserting that Northern Ireland physicians begin from a lower baseline despite receiving equivalent percentage increases.
Healthcare trusts reported varying levels of service disruption. The Belfast Trust postponed 569 outpatient appointments and 114 day cases, while the Southern Trust rescheduled 143 outpatient appointments and 11 surgeries. The Northern Trust and Western Trust also reported significant appointment postponements. A second 24-hour strike was scheduled for Monday. BMA representatives planned to meet with assembly health committee leadership to discuss the ongoing pay dispute.
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