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Information about the upcoming BMA industrial action
Junior doctors’ strike – Thursday 13 July – Tuesday 18 July 2023
Consultants’ strike – Thursday 20 July – Saturday 22 July 2023
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Background
The British Medical Association (BMA) BMA has announced junior doctor strike action will take place from 06:59am on Thursday 13 July until 06:59am on Tuesday 18 July 2023.
For the first time, BMA consultants will also be striking. This will take place from 06:59am on Thursday 20 July until 06:59am on Saturday 22 July.
Both strikes are in relation to an ongoing dispute with the government over pay and conditions. The dispute is not related to West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
Throughout the industrial action, our key focus is always to provide safe care for patients who need urgent and emergency services, and those receiving inpatient care in our hospitals.
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
We may have to postpone your scheduled appointment or procedure. Should it need to be postponed, then we will contact you directly. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as normal.
Please be patient with us whilst we work to recover our services – we will be in touch with you.
If your appointment has been postponed and you were due to come into hospital using patient transport ambulance services, please let them know.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Our accident and emergency department will be open throughout both strike periods and emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. However, we anticipate we will be very busy.
It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill, or their life is at risk - patients continue to come forward as normal.
As always, we encourage people to think about which is the most appropriate service for your needs, as there are a range of options to help you, such as your local pharmacy, the NHS 111 service or your GP.
Will maternity services be affected through the strike period?
All time critical maternity services will continue and if you need emergency maternity care during the strike period, then please contact our maternity services on 01284 713278 or dial 999.
Some planned appointments/procedures will need to be postponed. We will contact you directly if you are affected.
Will GP services be affected through the strike period?
GP services will be running as normal throughout the strike period. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
Is there anything I should do now?
No. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If you don’t hear from us, then please attend for your appointment as planned.
Thank you for your patience and understanding over this period.
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