NHS Services Guide During Upcoming Resident Doctors' Strike
The British Medical Association has announced a resident doctors' strike scheduled to begin at 7am on Tuesday, April 7, and continue until 7am on Monday, April 13. This industrial action is expected to place significant strain on the health service, particularly following the increased demand typically seen after the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Impact on Hospital Appointments
The strike will affect every hospital across England. Patients with pre-planned hospital appointments during this period have been informed that the NHS will only cancel appointments when absolutely necessary. Cancellations will likely be communicated via text message, phone call, or letter, with an alternative date offered for rescheduling.
However, the NHS has warned that patients may receive limited notice of postponements due to the strike. Rescheduled appointments will be treated as a priority. If you are not contacted by the NHS to reschedule, you should assume your appointment will proceed as planned. During the previous strike action in December 2025, NHS figures indicate that nearly 95 percent of planned routine care continued normally.
Hospital inpatients will receive specific information about how their care may be impacted, which could vary from ward to ward depending on the staff involved in delivering services.
GP and Dental Services
General practitioner and dental practices are anticipated to be less affected by the strike. Patients are encouraged to attend their GP and dental appointments as usual unless directly notified otherwise by their practice. For those requiring repeat prescription medications, options include using the NHS app or accessing their GP practice website to arrange prescriptions.
Emergency and Urgent Care
NHS England has emphasised that regardless of strike action, patients in need of urgent medical care should continue to seek help as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening situations. If someone is seriously ill, injured, or their life is at risk, they must call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
With doctors prioritising life-saving care during the strike, less urgent cases may experience longer waiting times. For non-life-threatening issues, patients are advised to use 111 online or the NHS app as a first point of contact. If unsure whether to visit A&E, calling 111 or using the online service can provide guidance.
The NHS is also urging the public to support the health service during industrial action by looking after themselves, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and using services responsibly. Further detailed guidance on when to call 999 or visit A&E, along with procedures for using emergency services, is available online through official NHS resources.
