Junior Doctors strikes 2023: NHS England issues services update

Junior doctors across England launched a four-day strike on April 11 as a result of a worsening dispute over pay. 

Huge disruptions are expected within the NHS with an estimated 350,000 appointments, including operations, to be cancelled due to the walkout by British Medical Association (BMA) members.

Junior Doctors strike dates 2023 and how long they will last?

This week, some services will be affected due to strike action.

Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise. pic.twitter.com/AFmUMo1Rsd

— NHS England (@NHSEngland) April 11, 2023

Doctors mounted picket lines outside hospitals from 7 am on Tuesday, April 10.

The industrial action will remain in place until Saturday morning (April 15).

The strike is set to be the longest strike in the wave of unrest, which has seen nurses, ambulance crews and other health workers take action since last year.

The national medical director for the NHS in England, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said the strike will cause “unparalleled” upheaval and will be the “most disruptive in NHS history”.

GP practices to remain open amid Junior Doctors strikes

This week, some services will be affected due to strike action.@NHSEnglandNMD Professor Sir Stephen Powis explains how to access the NHS care you need. If you need medical help, use 111 online, or for a life-threatening emergency, please call 999. pic.twitter.com/hmhGcioBg9

— NHS England (@NHSEngland) April 11, 2023

On Tuesday afternoon, NHS England issued a services update informing patients that some of its services will be affected due to the strike action. 

The body advised: "Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise".

The advice comes after earlier guidance from Professor Sir Stephen Powis on how to access medical care during the strikes.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis explained: "This week we are going to see the most significant strike disruption in the history of the NHS.

"This is four days of industrial action involving up to half of the Doctors in the NHS coming immediately after a four-day bank holiday weekend.

"We're working hard to prioritise emergency and critical care, maternity and trauma services but this means there will be a significant impact on planned and routine care.

"So, it's important that everyone uses services appropriately.

"To help us ensure care can be delivered to those who need it most, we're asking the  public to only use 999 and A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

"Otherwise, please use NHS 111 online for advice on other conditions and please remember that although most non-urgent care will need to be rescheduled, you should still attend any GP or hospital appointments unless you have been specifically contacted and told otherwise."