NHS Urges Public to Seek Care Normally During Resident Doctors' Strike
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has urged patients to continue accessing medical care as usual despite ongoing strike action by resident doctors over the weekend. This marks the fifteenth round of industrial action, which is scheduled to conclude at 6:59 am on Monday, April 13, 2026. NHS staff have been working extensively to maintain service availability, although some appointments have inevitably been rescheduled due to staffing challenges exacerbated by the recent Easter holiday. Patients are advised to attend planned appointments unless contacted otherwise. Essential services, including GP practices, pharmacies, and urgent care, remain operational. For non-life-threatening urgent issues, the public is directed to use NHS 111 online, while life-threatening emergencies should still be reported via 999 or by attending A&E. Priority treatments, such as cancer care and urgent surgeries, are being protected wherever possible. Professor Ramani Moonesinghe praised the heroic efforts of NHS staff in mitigating disruption and ensuring patient safety during this challenging period. The announcement emphasizes that the NHS remains open and accessible, urging the public to utilize appropriate channels for their healthcare needs without hesitation.
Wire timeline
NHS Urges Public to Seek Care Normally During Resident Doctors' Strike
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has urged patients to continue accessing medical care as usual despite ongoing strike action by resident doctors over the weekend. This marks the fifteenth round of industrial action, which is scheduled to conclude at 6:59 am on Monday, April 13, 2026. NHS staff have been working extensively to maintain service availability, although some appointments have inevitably been rescheduled due to staffing challenges exacerbated by the recent Easter holiday. Patients are advised to attend planned appointments unless contacted otherwise. Essential services, including GP practices, pharmacies, and urgent care, remain operational. For non-life-threatening urgent issues, the public is directed to use NHS 111 online, while life-threatening emergencies should still be reported via 999 or by attending A&E. Priority treatments, such as cancer care and urgent surgeries, are being protected wherever possible. Professor Ramani Moonesinghe praised the heroic efforts of NHS staff in mitigating disruption and ensuring patient safety during this challenging period. The announcement emphasizes that the NHS remains open and accessible, urging the public to utilize appropriate channels for their healthcare needs without hesitation.
NHS England