The government is considering introducing minimum service level (MSL) regulations that would require some doctors and nurses to work during strikes, in order to protect patient safety, the Health and Social Care Secretary has announced.
The consultation on minimum service levels in event of strike action (launched on the 19 September 2023) considers introducing MSLs that would cover urgent, emergency and time-critical hospital-based health services, which could cover hospital staff including nurses and doctors, and seeks views on a set of principles for setting MSLs in regulations.
It will also seek evidence to inform decisions on the expansion and scope of MSLs. This follows the consultation earlier this year on introducing minimum service levels in ambulance services and brings the UK in line with countries like France and Italy whose services continue in times of industrial action.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: "My top priority is to protect patients and these regulations would provide a safety net for Trusts and an assurance to the public that vital health services will be there when they need them."
