Overview
- The British Medical Association confirmed a national strike from 7am on November 14 to 7am on November 19, marking the 13th round of action since 2023.
- Hospitals across England plan to prioritise urgent and emergency care, with many elective operations and outpatient appointments likely to be postponed.
- NHS guidance asks patients to use NHS 111 for non-urgent needs, attend booked appointments unless contacted, and reserve 999 and A&E for life‑threatening emergencies.
- Ministers offered more specialty training posts and coverage of mandatory exam and college membership fees, which Health Secretary Wes Streeting promoted as reasonable.
- BMA leaders argue the package falls short given around 30,000 applicants for roughly 10,000 training places, while NHS chiefs warn the walkout could harm patients and stall fragile recovery during winter pressures.