Resident Doctors Strike
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7am on Wednesday 17 December 2025 until 7am on Monday 22 December 2025.
While other NHS staff will still be working, if you need urgent medical care please seek treatment, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases. Appointments may be rescheduled at hospitals, but GP surgeries will continue to be open.
Advice issued from the Department of Health is as follows:
- Make sure you have enough of your prescription medication. You can order repeat prescriptions via the NHS app, through your GP practice or by calling your GP practice.
- Your GP practice can send your prescription to any pharmacy you choose if you are staying elsewhere in England over the festive season.
- Please use 111 online for any health needs
- Only call 999 if it is a life-threatening or serious emergency
If you would like further information about the industrial action and how it affects the NHS, see: NHS England » Information for the public on industrial action