NHS Urges Public to Seek Medical Assistance During Six Day Resident Doctor Strike Action

The National Health Service has issued guidance encouraging patients across England to continue seeking necessary medical care during a forthcoming six day period of industrial action by resident doctors. The strike commences at 7am on Tuesday 7 April and continues until 6:59am on Monday 13 April, with hospital teams implementing contingency measures to limit disruption to patient services.

Healthcare authorities have stated their intention to prioritise urgent and emergency care, alongside cancer treatment and maternity services. Previous strike action in December demonstrated the NHS capacity to maintain approximately 95% of planned care during a five day stoppage, providing evidence of the service’s resilience during industrial disputes.

The current industrial action presents heightened operational challenges owing to the abbreviated notice period, the inclusion of bank holidays, and the timing during the Easter holiday period. Nevertheless, arrangements have been established to sustain urgent and emergency care provision at normal levels whilst maintaining the maximum possible volume of planned care activities.

Patients holding scheduled appointments should attend unless they receive direct communication regarding rescheduling. General practitioner surgeries, NHS 111 services, and urgent and emergency care facilities will remain operational throughout the strike period. Individuals requiring urgent but non life threatening medical assistance should initially utilise the 111 online service, which will direct them to the most suitable care pathway. Those experiencing life threatening emergencies should continue to contact 999 or attend accident and emergency departments through standard procedures.

Hospital trusts are implementing protective measures for priority treatments, including urgent surgical procedures and cancer care, wherever operationally feasible during the strike period.

Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, National Clinical Director for Critical and Perioperative Care at NHS England, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the timing of the industrial action immediately following the Easter weekend. She emphasised that NHS staff would endeavour to maintain patient safety and service continuity, advising patients to attend appointments unless contacted otherwise. Professor Moonesinghe reiterated that emergency services remain fully accessible and encouraged the use of 111 online for urgent non emergency situations.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disappointment regarding the British Medical Association’s decision to proceed with strike action, referencing a rejected proposal that would have resulted in resident doctors being 35.2% better remunerated on average compared to four years prior. Mr Streeting stated that both his focus and that of NHS leadership remains concentrated on minimising service disruption and protecting patients and staff. He cited the December strikes, during which nearly 95% of planned activity was delivered, as evidence of the service’s capability to function effectively during industrial action. The Secretary extended gratitude to NHS personnel working during the strike period.