As you will no doubt be aware, the Trust is due to be affected by the British Medical Association (BMA)’s and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) announcement of industrial action between 7am on Monday 13th March and 7am on Thursday 16th March. We are expecting the vast majority of our junior doctors to participate in the strike, which forms part of a national dispute over pay.

There are no derogations for this strike, which means that none of the Trust’s services are protected from the impact of strike action. Only in the event of a mass casualty event will Trade Unions instruct their members to stand down their strike action.

Maintaining safe patient care is our first priority, however we recognise and respect the right of our colleagues to take part in lawful industrial action and will work collaboratively with our colleagues and trade union representatives to minimise any impact. Command structures will also be put in place across Calderdale and Kirklees throughout the 72-hour strike to help mitigate the impact.

We are undertaking significant planning ahead of this period of industrial action to help protect the safety and wellbeing of patients and colleagues.

Wherever possible, our aim will be to keep as many services open as possible and for colleagues to continue their working day within their own area. However, we may need to consider wider options to ensure that we can continue to maintain patient safety.

Patients will be contacted once we know which services will be affected. Colleagues will also be briefed so they can respond to patient questions.

There will be two picket lines – one at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and one at Calderdale Royal Hospital. We will be issuing guidance for colleagues participating in the picket line, and for colleagues who will need to cross the picket line to attend work. We ask that colleagues respond to the strike with One Culture of Care in mind, and be understanding of everyone’s position.

Further detailed guidance will be issued shortly and here are some Frequently Asked Questions below. In the meantime, you should contact your line manager and/or divisional workforce leads for any further assistance or advice.

We thank you in advance for your understanding.