Junior doctors across England are set to strike from 7am tomorrow, Wednesday 3 January, through to 7am on Tuesday 9 January, causing widespread disruption to planned operations and emergency care in what will be the longest period of action to date.

In what is traditionally the busiest time of year for the NHS as patients seek post-Christmas care amid rising levels of winter viruses such as flu, norovirus and Covid, this latest industrial action comes less than a fortnight after the last strike which ended on 23 December.

The NHS has been affected by industrial action for more than a year, with staff continuing to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care under challenging circumstances.

Nationally, industrial action has impacted more than 1.2 million acute inpatient and outpatient appointments across the NHS.

In the East of England, the three days of industrial action by junior doctors before Christmas resulted in over 9,000 inpatient and outpatient appointments postponed, with almost 2,800 members of staff not working each day on average.

Appointments and operations will only be postponed where unavoidable, so patients are advised to still come forward unless they are contacted.

Where appointments are postponed, patients will be offered an alternative date as soon as possible.

Dr Edward Morris, regional medical director for the NHS in the East of England, said: 

“It’s been a busy Christmas for the NHS, taking care of those with winter illnesses and other health conditions as quickly as possible, all while managing the fallout from the last strike action just 12 days ago.

“This will be the longest action yet and puts us under extreme pressure, with many planned appointments, unfortunately, likely to be postponed.

“We will be prioritising urgent and emergency care to protect patient safety and ensure those in life-saving emergencies can receive the best possible care.

“To help us through this period, please use NHS services wisely in the usual way – by using NHS 111 online or calling 111 for everything other than life and limb threatening situations.

“Community services like pharmacies and GPs also continue to provide expert advice and support during this time.”

Junior doctors make up around half of all doctors in the NHS and are qualified with up to eight years’ experience, working as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty, or up to three years in general practice.

GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors’ strike.

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

For more information contact: england.eastcommunications@nhs.net

ENDS