Hundreds of doctors across Sussex are to take industrial action for the first time in almost 40 years in a row over pensions.

Hospitals and GP practices around the county are expected to be affected by the day of action on June 21.

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the move after a ballot of more than 100,000 doctors showed a clear majority in favour of protests.

Non-urgent work will be postponed and although this will be disruptive, doctors say they will ensure patient safety is protected.

This could include hospital outpatient appointments or routine check-ups. All urgent and emergency care will be provided.

The BMA said doctors will see anyone who is ill, or who believes they are ill, on the day of action, but will not do paperwork.

Health bosses in Sussex said it was too early to assess the impact the action would have.

Patients' safety

A spokeswoman for NHS Sussex said: “We will work with our provider partners to ensure clear information is available for patients regarding the proposed industrial action, and that all urgent and emergency care is maintained.”

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust chief operating officer Jane Farrell said: “We are still assessing the impact of this decision by the BMA but we will be working hard to ensure that disruption is minimised wherever possible, and that patient safety remains the overriding priority.”

Further details about what will happen in Sussex are expected in the coming weeks.

Medics are angry at the government’s plans to shake up pensions, which would see younger doctors paying more than £200,000 extra over their lifetime in pension contributions and work eight years longer, to 68.

BMA chairman Hamish Meldrum said: “We are taking this step very reluctantly, and would far prefer to negotiate for a fairer solution.”

The big vote for action shows the strength of feeling among doctors, who are “acutely aware” of the impact of any action on patients.

Dr Meldrum said: “There will be some inconvenience, but the last thing we want to do is harm patients when our real bone of contention is with the Government.”

Doctors say they have been hit by a pay freeze and increased workload so the increased pension contributions were the final straw.