Important information for patients
Resident doctors across England will be taking part in five days of industrial action in December 2025. This will involve a full walkout from 7:00am on Wednesday 17 December until 7:00am on Monday 22 December 2025.
During this time, NHS services will be under increased pressure. NHS Mid and South Essex has been carefully planning to ensure that urgent and life-saving care continues throughout the strike period.
This page provides important information about how services may be affected and how you can access the right care.
Impact on NHS services
GP practices will remain open and operating, although some GP trainees may also be participating in the industrial action. This may lead to:
Longer waiting times for phone calls
Increased pressure on appointments
Delays to non-urgent care
If you have a booked appointment and have not been contacted, please attend as planned. If your appointment needs to be rearranged, you will be contacted directly. Please do not call to check unless you need medical advice.
Hospital services
Hospitals will prioritise emergency and life-saving care during the industrial action. As a result:
Some non-urgent operations, treatments and routine appointments may be postponed
Patients affected will be contacted directly by the hospital
Please continue to attend hospital appointments unless you are told otherwise.
Getting the right care during the strike action
Use NHS 111 first
If you need urgent medical help but it is not life-threatening:
Visit www.111.nhs.uk
Or call 111
NHS 111 can:
Assess your symptoms
Provide healthcare advice
Book appointments with appropriate services
Arrange an ambulance if required
Mental health support
Adults experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (available 24/7)
Children and young people (under 18) can access urgent mental health support by calling 0800 995 1000
Community pharmacy services
Local pharmacists can provide advice, consultations and prescription medicines, where appropriate, without a GP appointment for several common conditions, including:
Earache (children aged 0–17)
Sore throat
Sinusitis
Shingles
Impetigo
Infected insect bites
Urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)
You can find a local pharmacy by visiting www.nhs.uk and using the Find a Pharmacy tool.
Prepare for minor illnesses
Keeping a small supply of basic medicines at home can help you manage minor illnesses and injuries, such as:
Paracetamol or ibuprofen
Plasters and antiseptic cream
Allergy and indigestion remedies
Non-branded medicines are just as effective and often cost less.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
If you need prescribed medication:
Please allow at least 72 hours’ notice
Use the NHS App where possible to order repeat prescriptions
Avoid leaving requests until the last minute
Using emergency services appropriately
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments are for serious or life-threatening conditions only, such as:
Chest pain
Severe breathing difficulties
Stroke symptoms
Serious injuries
Using emergency services for minor issues may delay care for others who need urgent treatment.
Help protect vulnerable people
Please do not visit GP surgeries, hospitals or care homes if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea. These illnesses spread easily and can make vulnerable people very unwell.
Wait 48 hours after symptoms have stopped before visiting.
Further information
For the latest updates and detailed guidance during industrial action, please visit:
NHS Mid and South Essex – Industrial Action Information
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this period of industrial action.
