Consultants and specialist doctors in Northern Ireland participated in a 24-hour strike beginning Thursday at 07:00 BST and concluding Friday at 07:00 BST, marking the first time these professional groups took such action in the region. The Department of Health reported that 90% of routine and elective services proceeded as scheduled, while full emergency coverage remained available throughout the action.
The strike centered on compensation disputes, with representatives citing over 18 years of pay erosion. Balloting results showed strong support for industrial action across medical ranks, with 92% of resident doctors, 79% of consultants, and 90% of SAS doctors voting in favor. A second 24-hour walkout was scheduled for later in the month. Medical professionals argued that Northern Ireland doctors receive lower compensation compared to counterparts in England, Scotland, and Wales, and emphasized recruitment and retention challenges facing the health system.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt stated his commitment to implementing this year’s pay award but cited budgetary constraints preventing increases beyond an independent pay body’s recommended 3.5% uplift. He noted that exceeding this figure would create significant repercussions across the broader public sector, including impacts on nurses, teachers, and police officers. BMA leadership disputed the adequacy of the offer, contending it fell short of true parity given existing pay disparities.
Various health trusts reported service disruptions during the strike. The Belfast Trust postponed 569 outpatient appointments and 114 day cases, while the Western Trust rescheduled 321 appointments. The Southern Trust rescheduled 143 outpatient appointments and 11 surgeries, and the Northern Trust adjusted five planned day procedures, 62 outpatient appointments, and 64 radiology appointments. The South Eastern Health Trust closed Lagan Valley Hospital’s urgent care centre during the action. Medical representatives planned to meet with assembly health committee leadership to discuss the compensation dispute.
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