More NHS disruption as latest junior doctors’ strike begins this week

The latest round of industrial action by junior doctors is set to cause further disruption to NHS appointments and procedures across the capital this week.

Junior doctors across England are to strike from 7am on Friday 11 August until 7am on Tuesday 15 August in their fifth strike in five months. In London, nearly 30,000 scheduled appointments were cancelled or postponed during the last strike by junior doctors in July and more than 3,000 staff were out on strike on each day of the industrial action.

The NHS in London is keen to stress that emergency care continues to be prioritised during the industrial action and people should still call 999 in life-threatening emergencies and contact NHS 111 for other health concerns.

NHS London medical director Dr Chris Streather said: “This latest strike by junior doctors is likely to have a significant impact on a wide range of services, particularly as it comes at a time when a significant proportion of staff are on leave.

“Thousands of appointments will be postponed, although it’s really important that people attend their booked appointment unless they have heard from their hospital direct to say it is not going ahead.

“People should use NHS 111 online for queries that are not urgent. GPs and pharmacies also continue to be open and able to offer care and advice – people should still call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”