The NHS is urging Londoners to continue coming forward for care as resident doctors begin strike action tomorrow.

Industrial action by BMA resident doctors will begin at 7am on Tuesday 7 April and will run until 7am on Sunday 13 April. Hospital teams across London and the country are working around the clock to ensure disruption is minimised for patients, with the strikes falling during the Easter holiday period.

Plans are in place to continue life-saving care as normal, and the NHS will keep routine operations running as much as possible — only rescheduling appointments in exceptional circumstances where patient safety requires it.

During the last round of strikes in December 2025, a robust approach by the NHS saw almost 95% of planned routine care maintained, followed by a remarkable effort that saw thousands of patients discharged in time to spend Christmas at home.

All other NHS staff — including consultants, GPs and other specialist doctors — will continue to work throughout the strikes. The NHS is working closely with the BMA to discuss any patient safety concerns and ensure safe staffing for emergency care remains in place.

Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “It is disappointing that resident doctors are once again striking, and this industrial action will take a real toll on patients and NHS staff across London and the country.

“We are doing everything we can to limit the cancellation of appointments, and Londoners should continue to use NHS services in the usual way. If you have an appointment booked during the strike period, please attend unless you have been contacted and told otherwise.

“These strikes also fall during the Easter holidays, which is particularly difficult for the dedicated NHS colleagues who will be giving up their well-earned rest to ensure patients are kept safe.

“For non-urgent medical help, please use the NHS App, 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP. If you are facing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 999 without delay.”

What patients need to know

• Patients with appointments booked during the strike period should attend as planned unless they have been contacted and told otherwise. Where appointments do need to be rescheduled, patients will be contacted by text, phone call or letter and offered an alternative date as a priority.
• The public are asked to use NHS 111 online or the NHS App as the first port of call for urgent but non-life-threatening health needs, so they can be directed to the most appropriate service. The free 111 phone line is also available around the clock for those without internet access.
• Anyone who is seriously ill or injured and whose life is at risk should call 999 or attend A&E as normal.
• GP practices will remain open throughout the strikes. Patients should continue to attend GP and dental appointments unless contacted and told otherwise.
• The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by ordering any repeat prescriptions in good time, ensuring they have a well-stocked first aid kit at home, and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.