Health services are facing significant disruption this week as resident doctors begin five days of industrial action.
The walkout, organized by the British Medical Association (BMA), commenced
7am, Wednesday 17 December, and is set to continue until 7am on Monday 22 December 2025.
The strike affects all major local providers, including Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals (BHRUT), Barts Health, and NELFT NHS Foundation Trust. While emergency care remains a priority, the action is expected to have a “significant impact” on routine services during one of the busiest months of the year.
Impact on Patient Appointments
Across the region, hundreds of appointments have been postponed to ensure that emergency, maternity, and critical care remain safe.
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BHRUT (King George & Queen’s): Already struggling with record demand—seeing over 1,000 A&E patients a day in November—the Trust has rearranged 653 outpatient appointments and 77 non-urgent surgeries.
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Barts Health: Services are being adjusted and restaffed to maintain quality of care. Priority is being given to those with the most pressing health needs.
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NELFT: Community and mental health appointments may be postponed to manage the impact safely.
The Golden Rule for Patients: If your appointment is affected, the NHS will contact you directly to rearrange.
If you do not hear from your hospital or clinic, please attend your appointment as planned.
Advice for Urgent and Mental Health Care
While A&E departments at Barts and BHRUT remain open for life-saving emergencies, patients with less urgent needs are warned to expect much longer wait times.
For Mental Health Support (NELFT):
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Current Patients: Contact your community mental health team or psychiatrist directly during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9am–5pm).
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Urgent Help: Call NHS 111 or visit the NELFT “I Need Help” page.
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Confidential Listening:
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Samaritans: Call 116 123
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Shout Crisis Text Line: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (or ‘YM’ if under 19)
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Childline: Call 0800 1111
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For Physical Health: If it is not a life-threatening emergency, residents are urged to use:
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Local Pharmacies: For advice and minor ailments.
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GP Surgeries: For routine care (contact them early if you care for vulnerable people).
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NHS 111 Online: For guidance on where to go.
Why is this happening?
The dispute centres on pay, which remains a matter for the Government and trade unions. Resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) make up a massive portion of the medical workforce—representing roughly half of the doctors at Barts Health.
These professionals range from new graduates to specialists with 10 years of experience. They are the “engine room” of local hospitals, responsible for ordering tests, reviewing deteriorating patients, and managing hospital discharges.
A Message to the Community
Hospital leaders have apologized for the disruption, noting that these measures are necessary to ensure the safest possible care for those in critical need. If the industrial action is called off, trusts have pledged to reinstate cancelled appointments as quickly as possible.
For more information, residents can visit the NHS England website or their local Trust’s news page.