Public advised that help will be available during junior doctor strikes, but disruption is likely

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November. Residents are being reassured that urgent care will remain available, but disruption to routine appointments and planned treatments is likely.

The strikes may affect routine services such as outpatient appointments, planned operations, and day surgery. During this period, all other NHS staff, including consultants and specialist doctors, will continue to work, with teams prioritising emergency and urgent care. Any patient safety concerns raised by local clinicians can be escalated to the BMA as part of a clinically led process.

Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Medical Officer for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:
"Industrial action comes at a very real cost to patients and our colleagues, especially during the busy winter period. Our teams are planning carefully to keep as many services running safely as possible. Anyone who is seriously ill or injured, or whose life is at risk, should seek care immediately. Using services wisely, such as NHS 111, community pharmacies, minor injuries units, or GP services for non-emergencies, helps our teams focus on the patients in greatest need."

Important information for patients:

• Appointments: Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted if their care needs to be rescheduled. If you have not been contacted, please attend as planned.
• GP practices: GP practices will remain open. Resident doctors in GP practices (GP registrars) may strike, but practices will operate normally as registrars are supernumerary.
• Urgent care: Use NHS 111 online or by phone for guidance on non-emergency issues; call 999 only for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
• Community pharmacies: Will remain open to advise on minor illnesses and common conditions without an appointment.
• Self-care and planning: Patients are encouraged to:
  • Order repeat prescriptions in advance via NHS App, GP website, or practice.
  • Keep a fully stocked first aid kit (NHS guidance).
  • Check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
  • If travelling in England and away from home, contact your usual GP for routine appointments or prescription requests.

Thanks to the efforts of NHS staff during the July 2025 resident doctor strikes, including colleagues working extra shifts, more planned activity was maintained than in previous industrial action. Because this strike coincides with predicted flu spikes and peak winter pressures, the NHS is planning carefully not only to maintain services over the strike period, but also to recover effectively in the weeks following.

Patients are reminded to Think Which Service when seeking care. Self-care, pharmacies, minor injuries units, NHS 111, and GP services can often provide faster, more convenient support than hospital attendance for non-emergency issues.

For further information on local services and the Think Which Service campaign, visit: www.thinkwhichservice.co.uk