Resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) will begin a five-day strike starting tomorrow, Friday 25 July. Here’s what you need to know about the action, how it could affect patient care, and what support is available.

When is the strike happening?

The strike begins at 7am on Friday 25 July and ends at 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

How many doctors are taking part?

The British Medical Association (BMA) does not publish specific figures. Participation may vary, with many doctors striking for just some of the days. Typically, more are absent at the start of a strike.

Are there exemptions for critical care areas?

No. This is a full walk-out, with no national strike exemptions for departments like A&E or maternity care. That said, there is an informal agreement that doctors may pause strike action in the event of major incidents, such as a terror attack.

How will patient care be affected?

Planned operations, procedures, and outpatient appointments may be disrupted, particularly if consultants are redeployed to maintain emergency services. However, unlike in previous strikes, NHS England has advised trusts not to make widespread advance cancellations.

Instead, trust leaders are being asked to make local, real-time decisions based on staffing and patient safety. The NHS is maintaining a public stance of “business as usual”, aiming to keep services running wherever safely possible.

Our view

We urge the BMA and government to return to negotiations immediately to avoid further disruption. It’s also essential that patients are informed promptly if appointments are cancelled — ideally with a new date provided at the same time.

Need more information?

NHS England has published advice for patients:

  • Call 999 or visit A&E in emergencies or for life-threatening issues.

  • Attend your appointment unless contacted otherwise.

  • GP practices and other NHS services remain open — no other staff groups are striking.

Trusts are expected to post updates on their own websites.

When will we know the impact?

NHS England will publish strike impact data on 30 July, including:

  • Number of cancelled appointments.

  • Number of resident doctors who participated in the action.

Could more strikes happen?

Yes. The BMA has a six-month strike mandate, meaning further action could take place throughout winter and into January 2026.

For the latest updates, keep checking NHS and local trust websites — and as always, Healthwatch is here to ensure your voice is heard.

If your care has been disrupted or delayed, please let us know. Your experiences help us monitor the impact on patients and services.