Northern Ireland doctors strike dates announced for November
Northern Ireland doctors strike action is planned for November as hospital medics continue their dispute over pay.
The British Medical Association announced the dates on 15 October, with resident doctors, consultants and specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors taking action on separate days.
Northern Ireland doctors strike dates
Resident doctors plan a full walkout from 7am on Friday 20 November until 7am on Saturday 21 November.
Consultants and SAS doctors will provide Christmas Day levels of cover from 7am on Monday 23 November until 7am on Tuesday 24 November.
BMA calls for progress on pay
The union says further action could follow unless negotiations deliver progress towards restoring pay.
The announcement follows hospital doctors’ industrial action in June.
Wider concerns over health service pay
The dispute comes amid wider uncertainty over Health and Social Care staff pay.
In a separate statement on 14 October responding to the Royal College of Nursing’s industrial-action ballot, the Department of Health said Health Minister Robbie Butler recognised staff frustration over delays.
The Department said the 2026/27 pay award should be implemented and parity with colleagues in NHS England restored as soon as possible.
It also warned that further delays increased the prospect of winter industrial action, with consequences for patients, waiting lists and services.
External link:BMA — Doctors prepare to strike.
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