Resident doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital are set to begin a six-day strike starting at 7am on Tuesday 7 April, continuing until 6.59am on Monday 13 April. This latest round of industrial action is part of an ongoing dispute over pay between the British Medical Association and the UK Government.
The upcoming walkout marks the 15th round of action since 2023. It follows a ballot in which 83% of resident doctors rejected a government pay offer that included a 3.5% salary increase and reforms to training progression. The union argues that doctor pay has fallen by approximately 20% in real terms since 2008 and is calling for full pay restoration to address this decline.
Following the rejection of the offer, the government confirmed it has withdrawn a separate proposal to create 1,000 additional specialist training places. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated the government’s position on pay remains firm, while the union continues to advocate for further investment to resolve the dispute.
Hospital management expects most patient appointments to go ahead as planned, as senior consultants and specialty doctors are not participating in the strike and will continue to work. NHS England has instructed local hospital trusts to aim to maintain 95% of routine care during the six-day period, prioritising emergency and urgent services. Patients will be contacted directly if their specific appointment needs to be moved.
The hospital is encouraging the public to remain patient with staff who are working to manage schedules during this period. Further updates and guidance on local healthcare services are available through official channels as the situation develops.
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