The National Health Service in England has issued a stark warning to all patients ahead of a major five-day strike by resident doctors, set to begin on Friday, November 14.
Strike Action and Service Disruption
NHS bosses have confirmed that medical services across the country will be significantly affected due to the walkout. This industrial action follows the collapse of negotiations between the doctors' union, the British Medical Association (BMA), and the Government.
This marks the thirteenth strike in the ongoing dispute between the BMA and ministers, highlighting the deep-seated issues that remain unresolved.
What Patients Need to Know
In an official update, NHS England has urged the public to continue seeking care when needed but to use services appropriately. The health service has issued clear guidance for the strike period.
The public is advised to use NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent medical advice. For serious or life-threatening emergencies, patients should always call 999.
An official statement on the NHS X account read: "From Friday and into next week, some NHS services will be affected due to strike action. Please continue to come forward for NHS care. If you need urgent medical help, use 111, and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 999."
The Stalemate in Negotiations
The dispute continues despite a recent proposal from Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Last week, the BMA turned down an offer that included covering mandatory exam costs and Royal college membership fees.
Mr Streeting had also pledged to accelerate the expansion of training places beyond the original timeline. However, he has insisted he will not reopen pay negotiations, pointing out that resident doctors have secured salary increases totalling nearly 30 per cent over the past three years.
The BMA maintains a different position, arguing that despite these rises, resident doctors' salaries remain a fifth lower than 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation, making the current pay offer insufficient.
Patients are encouraged to plan ahead and be aware of potential disruptions to routine appointments and non-urgent care during this period of industrial action.
