NHS England issued a reminder on 18 November 2025 that the public should use NHS services as normal on the last day of industrial action by resident doctors. The strike began at 7am on Friday 14 November and continues until 7am on Wednesday 19 November1.
The NHS said patients should attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule, and that primary, urgent and emergency care services remain available1. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said hospital staff had been working flat out to maintain care "also in the face of Storm Claudia and a severe flu season"1.
"Patients should continue to come forward for the care they need, calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency, using NHS 111 or their GP for other urgent health needs, and going to their appointments unless told otherwise."
The NHS said patients needing emergency care should continue to use 999 or attend A&E as normal, and that for less urgent but serious situations patients can visit an urgent treatment centre to be seen by a clinician1. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows flu and COVID-19 cases in England rising steadily, with the peak expected in the coming weeks, according to the same announcement1. The NHS said flu can cause people at risk to become seriously unwell and in some cases lead to hospitalisation, and continues to urge eligible patients to come forward for their jabs; eligibility is set out on the NHS.uk website1.
Why it matters for households
The reminder covers the final day of this round of strike action, up to 7am on Wednesday 19 November, so households with appointments on 18 or 19 November are affected. The NHS advises attending planned appointments unless contacted to reschedule, and using 999 for life-threatening emergencies, NHS 111 or a GP for other urgent needs, and A&E as normal for emergency care1. For less urgent but serious situations it points to urgent treatment centres1. Separately, the NHS says flu and COVID-19 cases are rising, with the peak expected in the coming weeks, and urges eligible people to take up vaccination1.
What happens next
The strike period ends at 7am on Wednesday 19 November1. The announcement gives no further dates for industrial action. The NHS expects flu and COVID-19 cases to peak in the coming weeks1.
Households unsure which service to use can refer to the guide to urgent treatment centres, minor injury units and A&E, and more general information is in the health emergencies hub. Those checking whether they are eligible for a jab can use the guide to who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now.
