English consultants suspend planned two-day strike for talks

Consultant doctors in England scheduled a two-day strike for 25 and 26 November following failed talks with the government regarding pay decreases and working hours. The industrial action would have restricted consultants to emergency care only, likely delaying routine and elective services. The British Medical Association announced that the strike action has now been paused to allow for formal negotiations. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the decision, which averts potential disruption to patient care during the lead-up to winter.