York and Scarborough NHS Trust issue doctor strike update

York Hospital and other hospitals across the region – including Leeds, Scarborough and Bridlington – will be affected by a five-day walkout from resident doctors which started this morning (December 17) and will continue until December 22.

​Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are set to take part in their fourteenth strike since 2023 over a dispute between the BMA and the Government over pay and training positions.

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Hopes that the strike could be averted at the last minute were dashed on Monday when members of the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected a fresh offer from the Government.

The deal includes a fast expansion of specialist training posts – which would be ratified through by emergency legislation, as well as covering out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees – but does not include extra pay.

Speaking from a picket line in London, Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the resident doctors committee at the BMA, told the Press Association: “I will sit down with the Health Secretary at any point to try and get a deal, I do not want to take industrial action, I do not take this lightly.”

The industrial action started at 7am today with Health Secretary Wes Streeting apologising to patients saying the Government did “everything we could” to avoid the strike.

He said health officials are working to minimise the impact of the strike, but warned patients will face disruption as the walkout comes at the “worst time” for the NHS.

The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told The Press earlier this week that “robust” plans are in place to manage the disruption.

Today, they issued a statement which said: “During this time, our hospitals may be busier than usual and some appointments or procedures may need to be rescheduled.

“If your appointment is affected, we’ll contact you directly – otherwise, please attend as planned.

“It’s important to still come forward if you need urgent or emergency care, especially in life-threatening situations. Our emergency services remain open and ready to help.

“If it’s not an emergency, use 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice on the best place to go for care. You can also visit your local pharmacy or GP for help with minor illnesses and routine care.”

​GP practices will continue to be open during the strikes, but resident doctors who train in GP practices, known as GP registrars, may take strike action.