Londoners are being urged to continue accessing NHS services as normal next week as the capital’s health service prepares for a four day resident doctors’ strike coinciding with the start of the football World Cup. 

Industrial action by BMA resident doctors will take place from 7:00am on Monday 15 June to 6:59am on Friday 19 June. The strike also falls during a busy period for the capital, with England fans expected to watch the team’s opening World Cup match against Croatia on Wednesday. 

NHS London wants to reassure patients that services will remain open throughout the strike period. Hospitals and local services have tried and tested plans in place, and all other NHS staff – including consultants and specialist doctors – will continue working. During the last round of industrial action in April, the NHS maintained 94.1% of elective activity compared with the same period last year, demonstrating the resilience of London’s health workforce. 

Chris Streather, London’s Medical Director, said: “London’s NHS staff have shown time and again that they will go above and beyond to keep patients safe during periods of industrial action, and I have every confidence they will do so again next week.  

“The NHS in London remains open and I want to reassure every Londoner that if you need care, please come forward. Use 111 online first for urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, and always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency. Please also continue to attend any planned appointments unless you hear from us directly – our teams are working incredibly hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.” 

Patients should continue to attend all planned appointments unless they are specifically contacted to rearrange them. Anyone with an urgent but non-life-threatening concern should use NHS 111 online as their first port of call, where they will be directed to the most appropriate service. GP practices, community pharmacies and dental services will remain open as usual. 

People experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 999 or attend A&E immediately without delay. 

Londoners are also encouraged to order any repeat prescriptions they may need in good time ahead of the strike period.