London, UK – November 14, 2025 – In the face of a five-day strike by thousands of resident doctors, the National Health Service (NHS) in London is urging patients to continue coming forward for care. This significant Doctors Strike London commenced at 7 am today, Friday, November 14, and is scheduled to conclude at 7 am on Wednesday, November 19. This marks the latest in a series of disruptions, with this being the 13th strike by resident doctors since March 2023, accumulating 54 days of impact on NHS services due to this ongoing Doctors Strike London.
The Core of the Dispute: A Doctors Strike London Over Pay
The strike action is rooted in an ongoing resident doctors pay dispute between resident doctors, who constitute roughly half of the NHS medical workforce, and the UK government. The BMA is advocating for a significant pay increase, arguing for a 26% uplift to restore doctors’ earnings to their 2008 real-terms value. While doctors have received pay rises totaling nearly 29% over the past three years, the BMA considers this insufficient, fueling the current Doctors Strike London. Government officials, however, state that current offers address working conditions and career progression, and that further significant pay increases are not feasible, contributing to the persistent Doctors Strike London narrative.
NHS Preparedness and NHS Patient Guidance Amidst Doctors Strike London
NHS hospitals across London and the country have implemented robust contingency plans to minimize disruption and ensure the continuation of essential services. Hospital chiefs have been instructed to maintain routine operations and appointments wherever possible, with rescheduling reserved only for exceptional circumstances where patient safety is paramount. It is estimated that the NHS aims to keep 95% of elective activity operational during this Doctors Strike London.
All other NHS staff, including consultants, specialist doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, will continue their work. The NHS is strongly advising patients to use services wisely and appropriately during this period of NHS industrial action.
For urgent but non-life-threatening medical needs, the public should first consult NHS 111 online or by phone, which can direct them to the most suitable care. In cases of medical emergencies or life-threatening conditions, individuals should call 999 or proceed to Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments as usual, ensuring that emergency services NHS remain accessible.
Patients with scheduled appointments are urged to attend them as planned unless they have been directly contacted by the NHS to reschedule. GP practices and primary care services are expected to operate as normal, and individuals are encouraged to attend their GP and dental appointments unless notified otherwise. Local pharmacists remain a valuable resource for advice on minor illnesses and common conditions, assisting with the general healthcare disruption.
Compounding Winter Pressures NHS During the BMA Strike Action
This latest round of industrial action occurs during an already challenging period for the NHS, coinciding with significant winter pressures NHS. Hospitals are bracing for a potentially severe flu season, with a mutated strain of the virus contributing to an earlier-than-usual start and a predicted spike in admissions. The situation is further complicated by increased staff absences due to illness, exacerbating the strain on ambulance and A&E services during this BMA strike action.
Broader Implications for NHS Services Amidst the Doctors Strike London
Health leaders have warned that continued industrial action, such as this Doctors Strike London, could lead to financial strains on the NHS, potentially resulting in cuts to frontline staff or services. This scenario risks jeopardizing progress on crucial waiting time targets, such as the 18-week standard for planned care. Previous strikes have led to tens of thousands of procedures and appointments being cancelled or rescheduled, highlighting the significant impact on patient care due to the ongoing Doctors Strike London.
The NHS remains committed to providing safe and effective care throughout the strike period. Patients are reminded that while disruption is anticipated due to the Doctors Strike London, essential and emergency services will remain available. The focus for NHS teams is to manage demand, prioritize critical care, and ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention, even amidst industrial action. This news is a popular and significant development in the ongoing public sector news cycle, particularly concerning the resident doctors pay dispute.
