The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that resident doctors will take industrial action from 7am on Monday 7 April until 7am on Sunday 13 April.
During the strikes, there may be fewer doctors working than usual, and services will prioritise life‑saving and urgent care. As with previous periods of industrial action, this may mean longer waits for less urgent care and some disruption to planned appointments.
What this means for patients
NHS organisations have plans in place to ensure emergency care is prioritised but local people are being asked to support by:
- Attending hospital and GP appointments unless they are told otherwise by your general practice or hospital.
- Helping friends and family be discharged from hospital by giving them a lift home, making sure they have essential shopping and important items like clothing and a key.
- Treating themselves at home for less serious conditions. You can find information about self-care on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/
- Choosing the right NHS service for their needs, such as their local pharmacy, GP or urgent treatment centre.
- Visiting 111 online or phoning 111 if they need medical help now but are not sure what to do.
- Only attending A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Being kind to staff.
Supporting patients during industrial action
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said: “While we know that strikes can be worrying for the public, they should be reassured that urgent and emergency care will continue to be available throughout the strike period.
“People can help by choosing the right service for their needs. There are a range of NHS services available, 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.
“We’re also asking people to take sensible steps to look after themselves and their loved ones, make sure they have enough regular medication and check in on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.”
During the last period of resident doctor industrial action in December 2025, the NHS kept almost 95% of planned routine care running, thanks to the commitment and flexibility of staff across the service.
Find out more about health support during the Industrial Action:
Start with self‑care:
Many common illnesses – including colds, coughs, flu, earache, and sore throats – can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter remedies.
For more information visit How can I help myself and others?
NHS App: A Handy Tool for Families:
The NHS App gives you trusted NHS guidance for hundreds of conditions, access to NHS 111 online, and the ability to:
- Manage and book GP appointments
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Nominate your preferred pharmacy
- Find trusted NHS guidance on hundreds of conditions and treatments
- View your health records and test results
Pharmacy: Expert advice close to home:
Your local pharmacy is a great first stop for less serious illnesses. Pharmacists are trained clinicians who can offer advice, recommend treatments, and, through Pharmacy First, provide some prescription medicines without needing a GP appointment.
More information about Pharmacy First is available at Pharmacies – Lincolnshire.
NHS 111:
If you’re unsure what care you need, NHS 111 is available online or by phone, day and night. NHS 111 can:
- Direct you to the right service
- Book appointments
- Offer a callback from a nurse
- Arrange urgent dental care
- Provide mental health support
- Support you with a range of children’s health concerns
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for quick, reliable advice.
Your GP practice:
If you have symptoms that aren’t improving, your General Practice team is here to help. GP practices offer telephone, online, and face‑to‑face appointments with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. If your practice is closed simply use NHS 111 online or by phone.
Urgent treatment centres:
For injuries and illnesses that need urgent attention but aren’t life‑threatening – such as sprains, minor fractures, burns, or skin infections – you can visit your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre: Urgent Treatment Centres – Lincolnshire.
WaitLess:
The WaitLess app allows you to see the travel, wait and treatment time at any of our Urgent Treatment sites – you can download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
Dental care:
If you need urgent dental treatment, call NHS 111. You do not need to be registered with a dentist to get emergency help.
Mental health support:
Visit Mental Health & Wellbeing Support – Lincolnshire or mental health advice, support and services. If you have an urgent mental health issue, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 and select option 2.