August Junior Doctor Strikes

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will take strike action for four days between 7am Friday 11 August and 7am on Tuesday 15 August. The term “junior doctors” covers everyone who has just graduated from medical school through to those with many years’ experience.

The industrial action will take the form of a full stoppage of work, including nights, on-call shifts and non-resident work.

Rum Thomas, Deputy Medical Director at Sheffield Children’s, said: “We are working closely with our medical colleagues and other services to maintain safe staffing levels during the industrial action. The safety of children and young people in our care is our primary focus.

“Emergency care will be available as our Emergency Department will be open as usual.

“We will contact families if their appointments for clinic, tests or surgery are impacted by the industrial action. If you have not been contacted, please bring your children and young people to appointments as usual.

“We know the decision to strike has not been taken lightly. There is a strong commitment on all sides to provide safe care during this period. By working together, we aim to reduce the impact the industrial action will have on babies, children, young people and their families.”

We know this may be causing our patients and families to worry about planned appointments or care they are receiving in the hospital. Please be assured that emergency care will be available, and patient safety is our primary focus.

Appointments and care

Please attend appointments as usual unless contacted. Our emergency department is open for any child or young person under the age of 16 who needs urgent care.

Outside Sheffield Children’s sites

On days of industrial action we expect a number of people to be outside and there may be media in attendance. The main entrances will still be in use and your access will not be blocked.

We completely respect the right of staff to take part in lawful industrial action. While pay is a matter for Government and the trade unions, our junior doctors are valued and respected by the organisation, and we understand the importance of good pay and conditions for individuals and their families. We know this is not a decision that has been taken lightly but there has been a strong commitment on all sides to make sure industrial action is balanced with the delivery of safe care.

Further information

If patients or families have further questions please contact your clinical team. If you cannot get hold of your clinical team, please contact PALs.

We want to thank all patients and families for their patience and support during this period.