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Industrial action updates for patients

What to do if you need medical help or advice or have an appointment during days of planned industrial action.

Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the government over the 2022/23 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that consultants will be taking industrial action on 19 and 20 September 2023 and 2, 3 and 4 October 2023 and junior doctors will be taking action on 20, 21 and 22 September 2023 and 2, 3 and 4 October 2023.

The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the government and the trade unions.

Important information for patients

Need medical help?

If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

The NHS is asking patients to use services wisely during industrial action. NHS.UK has more information on:

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves and by checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

For more details about health services during planned industrial action please visit the NHS England website

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