The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that planned strikes by resident doctors in England are to go ahead from 7am on Friday 14 November to 7am on Tuesday 19 November. Previously known as junior doctors, resident doctors comprise most of the medical workforce.
NHS England has written to trusts and ICBs sharing a letter from Jim Mackey outlining planning and preparations for the upcoming industrial action. This states that priority areas are maintaining:
- emergency care, including maternity services
- patient flow, ensuring appropriate and efficient discharge and length of stay
- elective care to the fullest extent possible – with at least 95% of elective activity continuing
- priority treatments, including urgent elective surgery and cancer care
The letter explains that reducing volumes of bookings, rescheduling appointments and other activity should only happen in exceptional circumstances to safeguard patient safety.
An additional letter from Mike Prentice gives further detail on patient safety mitigation and other information.
(Source: NHS England Bulletin, 10 November 2025.)
