Minimum service levels in event of strike action: hospital services
DHSC is seeking views on introducing minimum service levels in hospital services in England, Scotland and Wales to protect patient safety during strike action.
See the Welsh version of this consultation
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking views to inform decisions on the introduction of regulations on minimum service levels (MSLs) in England, Scotland and Wales, to protect patient safety in key hospital services during strike action.
The UK Government has already consulted on the application of minimum service levels for other sectors. In health, we want to strike the right balance between the ability of workers to strike and the protection of life and health.
Our proposal is that most essential and time-critical hospital services should be covered by MSL regulations. This consultation will help to inform decisions on whether hospital services should be covered and, if so, which hospital services, the appropriate minimum service levels required, and whether any health services outside hospitals should be included.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The act does not apply to Northern Ireland.
We’re seeking views from:
- the general public (including patients and family members or carers)
- trade unions
- NHS and health service employers
- representative organisations and professional bodies
- workers within health services
- workers within any other services affected by strikes in the NHS
- patient groups
The PDF version of the survey is for reference only. Please respond to the consultation online using the ways to respond link below.