Why doctors are walking out
Real talk: the vibes in Northern Ireland’s health system are officially off. While doctors across the rest of the UK have been enjoying a 3.5% pay increase since April, their peers in Northern Ireland are still waiting. The hold-up? The Northern Ireland Executive hasn't passed a budget for seven months, and without that green light, the health minister can't release the funds for the recommended raise.
Clodagh Corrigan from the British Medical Association (BMA) hit the nail on the head when she asked how much longer they’re expected to wait. With the BMA hearing there might be no raise before Christmas—if at all—resident doctors have had enough. They’ve announced a 24-hour walkout for Friday, November 20, while consultants and specialists will pivot to a reduced service the following Monday. It’s giving major frustration, and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is also balloting for potential industrial action.
The budget deadlock
Health Minister Robbie Butler says he’s down to pay the staff, but he’s lowkey stuck without a signed-off budget. The Executive parties can't agree on a plan, claiming the UK government’s funding formula leaves them way too short.
Finance Minister John O'Dowd pointed out that while the UK government has offered an extra £525m for this year, it’s not enough to cover the £1.6bn in total departmental pressures, especially when you factor in pay raises for everyone from teachers to nurses. Sir Chris Bryant, the Secretary of State, called the current spending behavior "irresponsible" and warned that emergency funding will run out by January.
Why it matters
If a deal isn't reached soon, the health system is headed for a massive L. While public services have managed to stay afloat under emergency rules so far, the cracks are starting to show. If the powers that be don't pull it together and secure a budget, patients will be the ones dealing with the fallout of these strikes.
