The local NHS is calling on residents to do their bit to help minimise disruption to NHS services during planned industrial action.
Resident doctors at major hospitals in mid and south Essex are scheduled to strike for five days. They will walk out at 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
NHS Mid and South Essex is asking people to attend their appointments as normal, unless they’ve been contacted to reschedule.
To help local services, the NHS is also asking people to use services appropriately and avoid unnecessary trips to local hospitals or GP practices.
Making sure residents with the greatest need have access to care is our highest priority. All our hardworking staff in our hospitals, community services and GP practices are working closely together to keep patients safe and minimise disruption during industrial action.
We’re asking everyone’s help by making sure they think carefully before going to an NHS service. NHS 111 online can help you find the right care for your needs and may save you a trip to the hospital or GP. Your local pharmacy can also help with common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, and sinus infections.
With everyone’s support we can make sure the NHS remains here to help when you need it. If it’s serious, then please do get in touch.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex
Regardless of any strike action taking place, patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward as normal as all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.
Residents that need urgent support should contact NHS 111, which is available 24/7 for advice and guidance on the best care option for their needs. For routine care and minor illnesses, local pharmacies can provide expert advice, treatment, and support.
In the event of an emergency, residents should contact the emergency services as normal.
The NHS expects that urgent and emergency services will be under pressure and waiting times for care may be considerably longer than usual.
While local services will be working hard to only cancel appointments where it is necessary, some routine and pre-planned appointments may need to be postponed as the NHS prioritises those with more urgent needs.
Those affected by these changes are being contacted directly, there is no need for people to contact the NHS service. If people are not contacted, they should go to their appointments at the time and place scheduled.
For more information about this industrial action and for advice and guidance on what NHS services to use, visit our get the right care section or visit nhs.uk
Industrial action FAQ