The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 6.59am on Monday 13 April 2026, starting just after the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Health services are expected to be busy over the long weekend, so the public is being asked to use services wisely.
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.
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.
The NHS is 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 NHS 111 online as the first port of call for urgent medical help or advice when it's not a life-threatening emergency, while 999 should be used for serious or life-threatening situations.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
NHS 111 can tell you:
- Where to get help for your symptoms
- How to find general health information and advice
- Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- How to get a repeat prescription
- How to get an emergency dental appointment.
Plan ahead to stay well this Easter
A little preparation before the bank holidays can reduce the likelihood of needing NHS help.
Make sure you have enough of any regularly prescribed medication to last the weekend, and check that your medicine cabinet is stocked with essential items, including pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid supplies such as plasters and antiseptic cream. Find out what you need in your first aid kit here.
Most of these items can be purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Check the expiry dates on any medicines you already have and replace anything that is out of date. Find your nearest pharmacy.
