Thousands of resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, across England started a five-day strike this morning (Friday, July 25) after talks with the government over pay collapsed.
The move is expected cause disruption across the country but patients are being urged to come forward for NHS care during the walkout, and are being asked to attend appointments unless told they are cancelled.
GP surgeries will open as usual and urgent care and A&E will continue to be available, alongside NHS 111, NHS England said.
A York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said it will contact patients directly if it needs to cancel a procedure or outpatient appointment.
“If patients have not heard from us, they should attend their procedure or appointment as planned,” they said.
The spokesperson added: “We have planned on the basis that most of our resident doctors will take part in the industrial action, and our business continuity plans are in place to ensure we continue to provide safe and essential care for our patients.
“We have well-established procedures to maintain essential services.”
There was no picket line outside York Hospital this morning with the British Medical Association’s (BMA) main picket line being outside Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).
Recommended reading:
- Striking doctors tell of ‘poor pay’ and difficult working conditions
- Streeting tells hospitals ‘we have your backs’ ahead of strikes
- Row over NHS doctor strike deepens as poll suggests public support is waning
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