Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Consultants and specialist doctors have taken part in industrial action over pay.

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients could attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

The 24-hour industrial action began at 07:00 BST on Thursday and ended at 07:00 on Friday, but there were no picket line demonstrations.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he was disappointed doctors went ahead with strike action and he remained committed to implementing this year's pay award but was currently unable to do so in the absence of an agreed budget.

Dr David Farren, chairman of the British Medical Association's (BMA) Northern Ireland consultants committee said that while the walk out was primarily about pay it was also about recruiting and retaining doctors in Northern Ireland to deliver the services.

Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Nesbitt said: "If I could give them more than 3.5% then I would be very happy to do so."

Source: BBC News Health RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)