Derriford doctors vote to strike from tomorrow

DERRIFORD Hospital is launching contingency plans to cope as resident doctors join a national five-day strike from tomorrow.

- By JANET KING

The industrial action was announced yesterday by the British Medical Association (BMA) following a nationwide vote.

Resident (formerly junior) doctors will strike from 7am tomorrow, until 7am on Monday 22 December.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust says it has 'tried and tested plans' in place to deal with any disruptions such as industrial action.

A spokesperson said: "The safety of our patients and wellbeing of our staff remains our priority. We are working with trade union representatives to put in place robust procedures to maintain services, and patient safety and welfare.

"We will contact patients if their procedure or outpatient appointment is cancelled, but they should attend a procedure or appointment if they have not heard from us."