Northern Ireland resident doctors will stage a full 24-hour strike starting at 07:00 BST on Monday, following earlier strikes by consultants and specialist doctors as part of a broader dispute over pay restoration and contract terms.

This strike marks the first time consultants and specialist doctors in Northern Ireland have joined industrial action together, expanding the disruption across the health service.

The health minister reiterates commitment to pay uplifts of 26-27% for HSC staff as recommended, but says there is no scope for additional awards beyond the independent review body’s recommendations within the current draft budget.

The minister defends a 3.5% uplift, noting it aligns with the independent pay body’s guidance and warns that higher pay could have wider repercussions for other public sector workers without a new budget.

The Department of Health says most services will continue with 90% of operations proceeding and full emergency cover in place, though some routine and elective services will be cancelled.

Trusts report cancellations or rescheduling: numerous outpatient appointments, surgeries, and procedures are affected across Southern, Northern, Belfast, Western, and South Eastern trusts.

Medical leaders emphasize staffing shortages and warn that goodwill from frontline staff is not a reliable solution amid ongoing pay disputes.

The BMA’s resident doctors chair warns of a “perfect storm” from rising patient numbers and doctor shortages, urging urgent government engagement to avert further strikes.

More than half of penultimate and final-year medical students in Northern Ireland plan to leave or are undecided after foundation training, citing poor pay as a major factor.

BMA consultants and SAS committees highlight 18 years of pay erosion, recruitment and retention challenges, and burnout from staffing shortages.

Dr Farren anticipates cancellations and expresses concern about burnout and doctors relocating abroad, while stressing patient safety and prioritization of care.

The BMA will meet Stormont’s health committee to discuss the pay dispute, with SAS doctors also weighing in on industrial action.