Starting from yesterday (July 20), hospital consultants at Oxford University Hospitals will be engaging in industrial action for the first time. The strike is scheduled to continue until 7 am on

Saturday (July 22), affecting operations at several Oxford University Hospitals, including the John Radcliffe Hospital, the Churchill Hospital, the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

During this period, elective inpatient and day case procedures will be rescheduled, while urgent and emergency care will still be provided. The decision to participate in industrial action has been prompted by certain grievances among the hospital consultants.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford University Hospitals, acknowledged the staff's right to partake in lawful industrial action and assured that they have been working closely with staff and union partners to ensure patient safety and staff well-being during this challenging time.

However, she also cautioned that the upcoming industrial action might affect waiting times in the emergency department, as the staff will need to prioritize patients in genuine need of immediate care.

Ms. Randall highlighted that the hospital staff is already working diligently during these difficult circumstances. She encouraged individuals who require support or medical attention to contact the NHS helpline at 111, where they will be guided to the appropriate care facilities as needed. Photo by ceridwen, Wikimedia commons.