The NHS has issued a warning that appointments across England could face significant delays and rescheduling from June 15 to 19 due to strike action by resident doctors. The health service advised that non-urgent cases may be postponed as staff focus on critical care during the five-day walkout.
NHS reminder to patients
The NHS took to social media to remind patients in England of the upcoming disruption. In a statement on Instagram, the health service said: "Strike action starts from 7am Monday 15 June and runs until 7am Friday 19 June. Some NHS services will be affected." It added: "You will be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed. Please continue to come forward for the care you need."
Why are resident doctors striking?
Previously known as junior doctors, resident doctors will walk out for a week amid an ongoing dispute over pay restoration and access to speciality training placements. The British Medical Association (BMA) argues that despite recent pay increases, including a 3.5% rise in April, doctors' earnings remain roughly 20% lower in real terms than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation, according to reports. Newly qualified doctors are demanding firm commitments to create more speciality training places to address career bottlenecks. The government had offered 1,000 extra positions but withdrew them after the union decided to strike.
What should patients do?
The industrial action from June 15 to 19 is expected to cause considerable disruption, with many non-urgent appointments being rearranged across acute NHS hospital trusts in England. Hospitals will need to adjust to reduced staffing levels, as resident doctors often make up a large portion of the frontline medical workforce. Elective procedures such as hip replacements, cataract operations, or routine scans typically face the most cancellations. Consultants will have to cover ward duties, meaning operating theatres and outpatient clinics cannot operate at full capacity. Patients with appointments scheduled between June 15 and 19 should still attend unless contacted and told otherwise. The NHS will get in touch if a slot needs to be rescheduled.
How will patients be contacted?
The NHS will contact patients using their registered preferences. Staff may use one or more of the following methods to inform patients as quickly as possible if an appointment needs to be rescheduled due to the strike:
- Text Message: This is the fastest and most common method, with a text sent directly to your mobile phone.
- Phone Call: Hospital staff or clinic clerks may call you directly, especially if the change is last-minute.
- NHS App: You will receive an in-app notification or an update under your "Manage Appointments" section.
A letter may be sent by post, though this is less likely for short-notice changes. If a hospital trust cancels or reschedules your appointment due to the strikes, the decision is final and based strictly on patient safety and available staffing. The NHS is obliged to rebook your appointment or surgery as a priority and will automatically transfer you to the next available slot. If your condition worsens while waiting for the rescheduled appointment, contact your GP or NHS 111. For serious, life-threatening symptoms, go straight to A&E, as emergency departments will continue to operate throughout the strike period.
