Doctors’ Strike Action – What You Need to Know

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7am on Tuesday 17 December until 7am on Sunday 22 December.

During this period:

• Emergency and life-saving care will continue
• Some routine appointments, clinics, and non-urgent procedures may be delayed or rearranged
• Patients should attend appointments as normal unless contacted by their NHS service

It is important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

Resident doctors say they are taking this action due to ongoing concerns about pay, working conditions, and staffing levels, which they believe affect patient safety and the long-term sustainability of the NHS.

The BMA has committed to remaining in ‘close contact’ with NHS England to ensure patient safety is maintained during this latest period of industrial action.

If you need medical help during the strike:

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or through the NHS App to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If you do not have internet access, then the free, 24/7 111 phone line is also available.

When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999.