The British Medical Association (BMA), representing resident doctors, has confirmed strike action from 07:00 on Tuesday 7 April until 07:00 on Monday 13 April 2026.
Across Essex, NHS organisations have plans in place and are working closely together to ensure services continue safely and that disruption for patients is kept to a minimum.
People should continue to access NHS services in the normal way. If you need urgent or emergency care should come forward as normal. If you have a planned appointment, please attend unless you are contacted directly and told otherwise.
I know that industrial action can be worrying for patients and families, but our priority throughout this time is to keep patients safe, make sure people get the care they need. I would like to thank frontline teams across Essex who will be working hard to support patients during this time.
Tom Abell, Chief Executive Officer, NHS Essex
Resident doctors are qualified doctors working across the NHS in:
- hospitals
- emergency departments
- GP practices
They may have up to eight years’ experience in hospital specialties or up to three years in general practice.
In September 2024, the BMA changed the term “junior doctor” to “resident doctor” to better reflect their experience and responsibilities.
Other NHS staff, including consultants and specialist doctors, will continue working. However, due to reduced staffing:
- some appointments may be rearranged
- waiting times may increase
- services may prioritise urgent care
We are working to minimise disruption and protect patient safety.
We are asking people across Essex to:
- look after themselves and their families
- check on vulnerable relatives or neighbours
- use NHS services appropriately
This helps ensure care is available for those who need it most.
If you have an appointment:
- please attend as planned unless you are contacted
- do not call to check if it is going ahead
If your appointment needs to be rearranged, the NHS will contact you directly.
Emergency care will continue during industrial action.
Services will prioritise:
- urgent cancer and long-wait patients
- emergency treatment
- critical care
- maternity and neonatal services
- trauma care
Call 999 or go to A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency.
For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, use:
- NHS 111 online
- NHS 111 by phone
NHS 111 can:
- assess your symptoms
- provide advice
- book appointments
- arrange emergency care if needed
Choosing the right service helps reduce pressure during industrial action.
Pharmacies
Your local pharmacy can help with minor illnesses and conditions.
Pharmacists can now assess and treat:
- earache
- sore throat
- sinusitis
- shingles
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16–64)
- infected insect bites
- impetigo
You do not need a GP appointment for these conditions.
Pharmacies can also advise if you need another NHS service.
Please order repeat prescriptions at least 72 hours in advance to avoid delays.
Self-care
You can treat minor illnesses at home using over-the-counter medicines such as:
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- allergy medication
- indigestion remedies
Non-branded medicines are just as effective and often cost less.
GP services
GP practices will remain open.
However:
- some GP trainees may be on strike
- phone lines may be busier than usual
Please:
- attend appointments unless told otherwise
- be patient with staff
If you can, use:
- the NHS App
- your GP practice’s online consultation service
This helps keep phone lines free for those who need them most.
Mental health support
If you need urgent mental health support:
- call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
For under 18s:
- call 0800 995 1000
Support is available 24 hours a day.