Consultants and specialist doctors across Northern Ireland participated in industrial action on Thursday, marking the first strike by these medical professional groups 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 24-hour walkout ran from 07:00 BST on Thursday through 07:00 on Friday, with no picket line demonstrations organized.
The strike centered on pay disputes, with doctors rejecting a recommended 3.5% pay increase from an independent pay body. According to recent ballot results, 92% of resident doctors, 79% of consultants, and 90% of specialist associate specialist and speciality doctors voted in favor of strike action. Medical representatives characterized the action as a response to over 18 years of pay erosion. A second 24-hour walkout is scheduled for 29 June.
Across Northern Ireland’s health trusts, various services were rescheduled due to the action. The Southern Trust rescheduled 143 outpatient appointments and 11 surgeries, while the Belfast Trust postponed 569 outpatient appointments and 114 day cases. The Northern Trust rescheduled five planned day procedures, 62 outpatient appointments, and 64 radiology appointments. The Western Trust postponed or cancelled 321 appointments including inpatient, outpatient, and day case services. The South Eastern Health Trust closed Lagan Valley Hospital’s urgent care centre during the strike.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed disappointment at the industrial action while stating his commitment to the pay award, noting that budget constraints currently prevent implementation beyond the 3.5% recommendation. BMA representatives emphasized concerns about doctor recruitment and retention, citing service impacts from staffing shortages. Medical leaders plan to meet with assembly health committee officials to discuss the pay dispute further.
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