Publish date: 18 September 2023
Important update on industrial action
From 7am on Tuesday, 19 September, until 7am on Thursday, 21 September, some consultants working at Northumbria Healthcare are taking part in the BMA’s national industrial action over NHS pay.
From 7am on Wednesday, 20 September, until 7am on Saturday, 23 September, some postgraduate (junior) doctors will also be taking part in industrial action.
This means that both consultants and postgraduate (junior) doctors will be on strike on Wednesday, 20 September. Both are national disputes between trade unions and the Government and are beyond the control of our trust.
Patient safety is our primary concern. We are working extremely hard to prioritise emergency and urgent treatment.
We will make every effort to maintain the safety and welfare of patients in our care. However, there may be disruption and longer waits on the affected days.
Some of our planned operations or procedures and outpatient appointments will need to be rescheduled. Patients will be contacted directly about this in advance.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for patients. However, this is a national dispute and beyond our control. We will be rearranging postponed appointments as a priority.
If patients have not heard from us, you should come into hospital for your procedure or attend your outpatient appointment as planned.
Our Urgent Treatment Centres at Wansbeck/North Tyneside and Hexham will remain open, alongside our Minor Injury Units at Alnwick and Berwick. The emergency department at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington will also be open as usual. Please keep A&E for life-threatening emergencies only.
Please use all services wisely. If your healthcare need is not urgent, please consider options such as speaking to a pharmacist or contacting your GP. Visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on a range of conditions and the most appropriate service for your need.