Northern Ireland doctors strike over pay and retention

Consultants and specialist doctors in Northern Ireland conducted a 24-hour strike on Thursday, marking the first industrial action of its kind by these professional groups in the region. The walkout was driven by disputes over pay levels and staff retention, with medical representatives citing 18 years of pay erosion and a significant gap between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

While the Department of Health reported that 90% of routine and elective services continued and emergency coverage remained intact, several health trusts experienced disruptions. The Belfast Trust reported the highest impact, with 569 outpatient appointments and 114 day cases cancelled or postponed. Other affected areas included the Southern, Northern, Western, and South Eastern Health Trusts, which saw various rescheduled surgeries and the temporary closure of the Lagan Valley Hospital urgent care centre.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed disappointment regarding the strike but noted that implementing pay awards is contingent on budget availability, warning that exceeding recommended increases could impact the broader public sector.