People are being urged to choose the right NHS service during the resident doctor industrial action, which is due to begin this Friday and last for five days.
Resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) make up around half the medical workforce in England, so significant disruption is expected. The strike action is due to take place from 7am on Friday 14 November 2025 until 7am on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said:
“Resident doctors do a vital job, so losing this huge part of our workforce will have a big impact on our local NHS services and waiting times in Emergency Departments could be longer than usual.
Please continue to use NHS services wisely
“There are a range of NHS services available for different needs, such as pharmacies, urgent treatment centres and mental health crisis support. If you’re not sure which service is best, please visit NHS111 or phone 111 to be directed to the right place.”
Rebecca Neno, Deputy Director for System Delivery at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“We have been planning for this industrial action in order to minimise disruption for our patients, their families and carers.
Attend your appointments as planned unless you are asked not to
“Please continue to use NHS services wisely. Attend your hospital and GP appointments as planned unless you are asked not to. If your appointment has to be postponed, you will be contacted and your appointment rearranged.
“And don’t forget you can also use 111 online or call 111 for medical help, Pharmacy First and WaitLess. NHS 111 also provides mental health support which is available by calling 111 and selecting option 2.
“If it’s an emergency and/or life-threatening, you should call 999.
Thank you, please be kind to all NHS staff
“Thank you once again for your understanding, please be kind to all NHS staff.”
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.