Preparing for industrial action in health and care services

The Royal College of Nursing, Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, Unison, Nipsa, GMB and Unite members have voted to take industrial action over pay and conditions.

This means that some health and care services across England, Northern Ireland and Wales may be affected by these stoppages.

The first round of action took place in December, with more planned for January.

Staff taking action include nurses, nursing assistants, physiotherapists, care workers, hospital and ambulance staff.

NHS bodies have issued information for patients. However, in broad terms, if you have a pre-booked appointment on dates with planned industrial action, you should attend it, unless you are contacted directly by the health body to reschedule it.

Also if you need urgent care you should use NHS 111 online or phone 111, or in Northern Ireland your GP or out of hours GP services, to be assessed and directed to the right care for you. 

If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Please see the information that’s been published by each country’s NHS:

• NHS England information on industrial action on the NHS England website.
• Joint statement from Chief Executives of Northern Ireland NHS Trusts on the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust website.
• Powys Teaching Health Board statement on the NHS Wales website.

What has Parkinson’s UK been doing?

We are members of National Voices, a coalition focused on improving health and social care services in England. We have supported a joint approach to NHS England to ensure healthcare services provide clear communications to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners about accessing care and support while negotiations are ongoing.

We have also checked with Parkinson’s nurse organisations to understand what information and support they can provide for our community. And we have worked with our Policy Panel to develop a position on industrial action. Read our position on industrial action (PDF, 114KB).

What should people with Parkinson’s do if their appointment is cancelled or postponed?

People with Parkinson’s and carers should try to establish when they will hear about their next appointment and also what support they can call on in the meantime if they become ill.

If you need assistance please contact your GP. You can also call 111 (except in Northern Ireland). If it’s an emergency, please visit your local A&E.

Read our article on preparing for a hospital admission if you have Parkinson's.