Londoners are being urged to get their flu jab and continue accessing NHS services as usual, despite thousands of resident doctors walking out on strike from today (17/12). 

The industrial action, which began at 7am on Wednesday 17 December and runs until 7am on Monday 22 December. This comes at a challenging time for the health service, as it grapples with an early flu season and more people in hospital with flu at this time of year than ever before. 

Despite the additional pressure on NHS teams, plans are in place to continue life-saving care, while keeping as much routine care and scheduled operations going as possible.  

Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “These strikes come at a challenging time for the NHS and this industrial action will no doubt take a toll on patients and NHS staff in London, and across the country.” 

“We know strikes come with a cost but will also mean that hard-working NHS colleagues – who have worked so hard this year on NHS recovery – will be deprived of Christmas with their families, with many now likely to be called in on their well-earned days off.  

“We are doing all we can to limit the cancellation of appointments and patients should continue to use NHS services in the usual way. Londoners should attend their appointments unless told otherwise.” 

The latest round of strikes comes as London hospitals are treating nearly a 50% increase in flu, with an average of 380 patients per day in hospital beds with flu – the highest ever recorded for this time of year and at a time when hospitals are entering the most pressured time of the year.  

Get vaccinated now for Christmas protection 

With just one week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, Londoners are being urged to book their vaccination appointment immediately. 

Over 1.8 million people have received their flu jab since 1 September, but more eligible people need to get vaccinated – the best protection against serious illness. 

London’s Chief Nurse, Karen Bonner, said: “With just a week left to increase your immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.” 

The NHS is pulling out all the stops to make vaccines accessible, including taking the vaccine out to communities across London. 

How to access NHS services during the strike 

Patients should attend all planned appointments unless contacted to reschedule. Hospital teams across London are working to minimise disruption, with plans in place to continue life-saving care as normal. 

For non-life-threatening care: 

• Use the NHS app 

• Call NHS 111 or use 111 online 

• Visit your local pharmacist or GP 

For emergencies: 

• Dial 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries 

GP practices and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available throughout the strike period.