Maintaining safe care for mothers and babies during industrial action | Latest news

As part of our extensive planning for the upcoming industrial action by resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors), we requested a derogation from the British Medical Association (BMA) to exempt maternity services.

We are pleased to confirm that the BMA has agreed to this request, and we are grateful for their cooperation.

Since the original request we have secured additional cover, which means nine resident doctors will now be working six shifts on 17, 18, 20 and 21 December to help maintain safe care in maternity services.

Since the announcement of industrial action on 1 December 2025, our teams have been meeting daily to plan and prepare. Our priority throughout has been to ensure appropriate cover is in place across the five days of action so that we can continue to deliver safe care.

There are a minimum number of shifts that must be filled to maintain safety, and this guide has informed our decision-making.

Before making a derogation request, we took several steps to fill rotas, including:

• Consultant colleagues covering additional shifts
• Working with local universities to identify clinical academics who could support
• Offering enhanced rates of pay and Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for those not taking part in industrial action
• Standing down planned activity where applicable

We aim to avoid derogation requests wherever possible, but on this occasion, it was necessary to maintain safe care for mothers and babies.

We are extremely grateful to all colleagues for their professionalism and commitment, which has enabled us to keep services running during this period.