Hospital doctors in Northern Ireland plan two 24-hour walk-outs in November as a dispute over pay continues. Resident doctors will strike from 07:00 BST on 20 November, while consultants and specialist, associate specialist and speciality grade (SAS) doctors will take action from 07:00 on 23 November.
The British Medical Association (BMA) stated that doctors' pay has reportedly dropped by over 26% in the past 18 years due to below-inflation pay awards. Dr Clodagh Corrigan, chair of BMA's Northern Ireland SAS committee, said they need a credible offer from the government to avoid further industrial action.
SAS doctors will provide 'Christmas Day cover' during their strike, meaning most routine and elective services will be cancelled, but full emergency cover will remain. The BMA has indicated it is prepared to escalate strike action if progress is not made.
This announcement follows the Royal College of Nursing's decision to ballot its members on potential strike action over pay. The Department of Health has stated that the health minister believes the 2026/27 pay award should be implemented and pay parity with NHS England colleagues restored as soon as possible.