Industrial action in July 2023

Consultants will join junior doctors in taking industrial action in July after voting heavily in favour in a dispute over pay.

Tens of thousands of junior doctors across England are due to strike for five days over pay – the walkout will take place between 7am on 13 July and 7am on 18 July.

Consultants will then strike on 20 and 21 July.

The industrial action is part of an ongoing dispute between the government and unions over pay and conditions.

The NHS will continue to work hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.

Please 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 only using 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.

The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999. 

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.