NHS Wales: Consultants and specialist doctors to strike

Consultant and specialist doctors in Wales are set to go on strike from 16 to 18 April due to pay disputes and inadequate workplace conditions.

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the strike as a response to excessive service pressures and insufficient staffing.

The Welsh government sympathizes with the need for fair pay restoration but claims it lacks the necessary funds from the UK government to implement appropriate public sector wage increases.

Emergency care will continue during the strike, with coverage similar to Christmas Day staffing, but non-urgent procedures will be delayed.

The strike comes after a 5% pay rise offer from the Welsh government, which the BMA deems insufficient, especially for newer SAS doctors who were only offered a 2.5% increase.

Stephen Kelly of the BMA emphasized that severe work conditions have driven doctors to retire early, work reduced hours, or leave Wales for regions with better pay and staffing.

In a separate movement, junior doctors in Wales are planning a four-day strike from 25 to 28 March.

The BMA's Julie Jones highlighted that doctors are overburdened and patient safety compromised due to workforce shortages, leading to prolonged treatments and hospital stays.

The Welsh government reiterated its willingness to discuss further with the BMA but stated it cannot propose more than the 5% pay rise for 2023-24 without additional funding. During the strike, the government aims to work closely with the NHS to ensure essential care and patient safety.