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The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strikes from 7am on Tuesday 7 April to 7am on Monday 13 April.  

What this means for you

During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely. 

We all know that industrial action comes at a very real cost to patients and the rest of the workforce and this round of action comes as the NHS is coming out of the winter period. In addition the timing of these strikes falls during the Easter holiday period where staff take time to rest and recover with their families.

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really 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. 

While we will do our best to only cancel appointments where it is necessary, we know from previous strikes that there will be disruption to patient appointments as a result of the strikes.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

During the strikes, there may be fewer doctors working than usual, and they will need to prioritise life saving care. Less urgent cases may experience longer waits during strikes. We are asking patients to choose services appropriately during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs, and as ever only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these times.  We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Outpatient appointments

We know from previous strikes that there will be disruption to patient appointments and we will only cancel appointments where it is absolutely necessary.

Patients with an appointment during the period of action will be contacted directly if their appointment needs to be rescheduled. We appreciate how disappointing this will be for anyone waiting for treatment or investigations and we are sorry to postpone arrangements. However, we will rearrange any cancelled appointments as soon as possible. Patients who are not contacted in advance should attend their appointment as planned.

HELP US to HELP YOU

During the strikes, there may be fewer doctors working than usual, and they will need to prioritise life saving care.   Less urgent cases may experience longer waits during strikes.

The NHS App puts essential services at your fingertips. You can order repeat prescriptions, manage appointments, receive reminders, and even check your health records, all from your phone.

Online GP contact forms mean you can skip the 8am phone queue. Submit your request through your practice's website and your local surgery team will get back to you, without needing to call.

Your local pharmacist can help with a wide range of minor health issues. They are trained to offer oral contraceptives, the emergency contraceptive pill, and prescription medicines, if needed, for seven common conditions the same day.

NHS 111 is available 24/7 by phone, online, or via the NHS App. It offers trusted medical advice for urgent health needs and can direct you to the most appropriate local service when your GP is unavailable.