Key Summary
- Resident doctors will stage industrial action from Monday to Friday.
- The four‑day strike coincides with expected hot weather and the start of the football World Cup, when large public gatherings will add pressure on services.
- NHS leaders say core urgent and emergency services will remain available and ask people to come forward for care when needed.
Public are being urged to use NHS services as normal during a four‑day strike by resident doctors, amid forecasts of hot weather and the start of the football World Cup.
Industrial action runs from 7:00am on Monday (15), to 6:59am on Friday (19). The period overlaps with a likely heatwave and England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia, events that may increase demand on emergency and urgent care.
Professor Frankie Swords, National Medical Director at NHS England, said the NHS “remains open as usual” and that staff are working to minimise disruption and keep patients safe. He urged people to seek care when they need it and to follow normal emergency guidance.
NHS 111, community pharmacies, GP practices and other urgent and emergency services will continue to operate throughout the strike. Hospitals and local services say they have tested plans to cope with increased demand while trying to keep routine care running where possible.
Patients should attend planned appointments unless contacted directly to rearrange them. Anyone needing urgent but non‑life‑threatening help should use 111 online first to be directed to the most appropriate service. People with life‑threatening emergencies should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Swords said, “With temperatures set to rise again this week and the World Cup kicking off – it will be triple whammy of pressure, but staff will pull together as they always do, to keep the show on the road and ensure people continue to receive the care they need.”
“It is important during any heatwave, that people try to stay cool, stay out of the sun, and stay hydrated during the hottest hours, and seek help when they need it, especially those who are vulnerable including the very young, elderly and those with underlying health conditions.”
Health Secretary James Murray said the NHS is “bracing itself” for the strike, and thanked staff for their efforts to minimise disruption. He urged the British Medical Association to return to talks to resolve the dispute.
Advice for the public
- Attend all planned appointments unless told otherwise.
- Use 111 online first for urgent, non‑life‑threatening problems.
- Call 999 or go to A&E for life‑threatening emergencies.
- During the heatwave, stay cool, avoid the sun in the hottest hours and drink plenty of fluids, especially for babies, older people and those with health conditions.
