Resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) will be on strike from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December.

This will have a significant impact on services across our hospitals, particularly as we’re seeing record numbers of patients in our A&Es, with over 1,000 people a day during November. 

We’re working hard to ensure emergency and maternity care are covered throughout the strike and keep patients safe and are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to our patients. However, we have had to rearrange 653 outpatient appointments and 77 non-urgent surgeries.

Those who need urgent care, including cancer patients and those who have experienced longer waits, are being prioritised.

If you are affected, we will contact you directly. If you don’t hear from us, it’s important you come in for your appointment or procedure as planned.

Getting the right treatment during the strike

Our A&Es will remain open, and you should continue to come in for life-saving care. However, if it’s not a life-threatening emergency, we urge you to first contact your local pharmacy, GP, or call NHS 111. More information is on our get the right care for you page.

Those in less urgent need will experience longer wait times during the strike.

Who are resident doctors?

Resident doctors make up a large part of our medical team and range from doctors who have recently finished medical school, to those with several years of experience. They help our hospitals run smoothly by undertaking a range of roles including ordering tests or x-rays, referring patients to other medical teams, discharging patients and reviewing sick or deteriorating patients.

Further information and FAQs on the strike can be found on the NHS England website.