NHS England announced on 10 January 2023 that ambulance workers will go on strike on Wednesday 11 January, that nurses will take industrial action on Wednesday 18 January and Thursday 19 January, and that a further ambulance strike is scheduled later in the month on Monday 23 January1. The announcement set out how patients should use services on strike days and what the NHS has put in place to limit disruption1.
NHS England said ambulance services will prioritise the most clinically urgent cases, and that on strike days people whose condition is not life-threatening may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance1. Where it is safe and appropriate, some patients may be asked to make their own way to hospital, but the NHS said it is important that they get medical advice from 111 or 999 before doing so1. General practice, community pharmacies and dentistry are not affected by strike action, and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days1. The NHS will contact anyone whose appointment has to be rescheduled; if the NHS has not contacted a patient, it is important to attend appointments as planned1.
The service said it was already facing record demand on urgent and emergency care, with October and November the busiest on record for A&E attendances and the most serious ambulance callouts1. Preparations for industrial action and winter included 24/7 control centres, additional bed capacity, more mental health support for ambulance services and more community falls services1. In November, NHS England issued guidance to local NHS employers on what derogations they should seek from local union representatives to ensure certain vital services such as chemotherapy continue1.
NHS England said more than 6.5 million people used the NHS 111 online service in the last 12 months, with an average of 20,000 users a day being directed to the right support according to the latest data1. After entering answers about health needs online, the service makes an assessment and directs people to the best place for their care, which can include a consultation with a pharmacist, a call back from a nurse, or visiting a same day urgent treatment centre or A&E1.
"The message from the NHS to patients is clear, if you need emergency care, please come forward."
Why it matters for households
The strike dates affect ambulance services in particular, with the most clinically urgent cases prioritised and longer waits possible for calls that are not life-threatening1. NHS England advises people to use NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and to continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency1. It also advises that general practice, community pharmacies and dentistry are unaffected and should be used as needed on strike days1. Patients who have not been contacted about a rescheduled appointment are advised to attend as planned1. The staying-informed hub covers how to keep track of official warnings and service updates.
What happens next
The ambulance strike is scheduled for Monday 23 January 20231. NHS England said regional and national teams will support local areas needing further assistance on strike days to help coordinate responses1. No further strike dates beyond those given have been reported.
