Overview
- The strike runs from 7am Friday 14 November to 7am Wednesday 19 November, marking the 13th national walkout since March 2023.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting says doctors have received a 28.9% pay rise over three years, refuses further increases, and estimates this stoppage will cost just under £250 million.
- NHS England instructs trusts to protect emergency and maternity care and to maintain at least 95% of elective activity, advising patients to attend appointments unless contacted.
- The BMA seeks roughly 26% pay restoration over several years and will not agree to derogations unless planned work is cancelled and alternative cover is secured.
- Previous action led to more than 54,000 cancellations and a July bill of about £300 million, with leaders warning continued strikes risk longer waits during early flu pressures.