NHS England South East is urging people to think before heading to emergency departments and to use NHS 111 online as the first point of contact for nonemergency health needs during the upcoming resident doctors’ strike. 

Thousands of resident doctors will walk out from 7am Wednesday 17 December until 7am Monday 22 December, following a six-day strike in November. The action comes at a time when hospitals are already under intense pressure, with rising flu cases and winter demand stretching services. 

Last week alone, 200 more patients were admitted with flu compared to the same period last year, and a third of acute trusts across the South East have reintroduced mask wearing in hospitals to help curb infections. 

Despite these challenges, NHS teams are working flat out to keep services running and minimise disruption. Patients are reminded to use NHS 111 online for urgent but non-life-threatening issues, to call 999 or attend emergency departments only in emergencies and to attend scheduled appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise. 

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said:   

“We are all too aware that industrial action comes at a real cost to both NHS staff and patients, with this latest round coming at an incredibly challenging time for the health service as we grapple with rising flu cases and winter pressures. Hospitals and General Practice across the region will do everything they can to minimise disruption to services during this time and ensure as much planned care as possible continues for patients.  

“We know that this is a very challenging time for all those working in the health service and we are incredibly grateful to all the NHS staff, including those resident doctors who are not taking strike action, for working extra hours to maintain services for patients.  

“The NHS is still here for you but please use it wisely. In an emergency always call 999 but for non-urgent needs use NHS 111 online, speak to your pharmacist or contact your GP.”