The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that resident doctors in England will take strike action for 5 consecutive days - from Friday 14 November to 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
We expect reduced medical staffing levels at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust during this time, which will have an impact on some services. However, we are working hard to limit disruption, and many NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will continue to work to ensure services continue to operate safely.
Thanks to the efforts of staff during previous industrial action, we were able to keep more planned activity going than before. We are applying the same learning and teamwork again to keep services running safely, while planning for a strong recovery period afterwards - particularly given the approaching winter pressures and predicted rise in flu.
If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. If your appointment needs to be rescheduled, you will be contacted directly by the NHS via text, phone call, or letter.
People who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergencies or life-threatening situations.
- Call 999 in a medical or mental-health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).
- For non-life-threatening situations, use NHS 111 online or the NHS App for advice, or call 111 if you do not have internet access.
- Further guidance on when to call 999 or visit A&E is available on the NHS website
We recognise the impact this action has on patients and staff, and we are grateful for the continued professionalism, teamwork and flexibility shown across our hospitals. Please continue to use NHS services appropriately, and help us keep emergency departments free for those who need them most.
FAQs:
Resident doctors who are members of the BMA have voted to take strike action from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
The NHS is doing everything possible to minimise disruption and ensure safe staffing levels in essential services. All other NHS staff – including consultants, GPs, nurses and other clinical professionals – will continue to work. Some disruption is expected, and we will communicate any local changes as soon as possible.
Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or through the NHS App to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If you do not have internet access, then the free, 24/7 111 phone line is also available.
When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999.
Some planned appointments may need to be rescheduled. The NHS will contact you if this applies to you, and you will be offered an alternative date. If you have not been contacted, please attend as planned.
No. Any rescheduled appointments will be rebooked as a priority.
Yes. Each trust, including ours, follows a clinically led process to manage safety risks, and can raise any concerns directly with the BMA. Please do not delay seeking urgent care or attending appointments unless you are advised otherwise.
Please order any prescriptions you might need in good time to avoid delays in getting your medicines or the risk of running out of medicines during strikes.
All hospital inpatients will be informed of how their care will be impacted on a ward-by-ward basis by the staff involved in delivering their care.
GP practices and dental surgeries will remain open. Some GP registrars (resident doctors training in general practice) may join strike action, but this will not affect the safe running of practices. Please attend your appointments as normal unless you are contacted.