Doctors’ strike action update—Dec 2023/Jan 2024

Industrial action is taking place in December 2023 and January 2024.  

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that industrial action by junior doctors is planned to take place, starting from 7am on Wednesday 20 December until 7am on Saturday 23 December 2023.  

This will be followed by a further period of 6-day industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 3 January until 7am on Tuesday 9 January 2024. 

We have tried and tested plans in place to ensure we can provide safe urgent and emergency care for patients who need it. 

Both our hospital sites—West Middlesex University Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital—will be very busy during this period, as fewer medical staff will be working. Some community-based clinics may also be affected. 

During this period, most of our sexual health clinics are expected to be open but some may run a reduced service. You will be notified if there are any changes to your appointment. Please contact your local clinic if you need support and aren’t sure what to do. 

BBC London News—19 Dec 2023

Will my planned appointment or treatment be rescheduled due to the strikes?  

To help us to provide safe urgent and emergency care during strike days, we will need to reschedule some non-urgent appointments and procedures, and will contact you regarding any changes.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. Please be aware that there might be delays on the day.  

Urgent or emergency healthcare during the strikes  

It is important that people continue to seek help from the NHS when they need it, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.  

Our A&E departments will be very busy during the strikes so if you need medical care, but it is not an emergency, please consider other services including NHS 111, your GP or local pharmacy.  

This will help you get directed to the best care for your needs, and ensure we can prioritise patients with the most urgent health needs.  

• Pharmacy:  Your local pharmacist is an expert in medicines and can help you with minor health concerns—find a pharmacy near you 
• GP:  GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem, but please be aware that they may be busier during the strikes 
• NHS 111:  If you need urgent care but it isn't life threatening, visit  NHS 111 online or call 111 and speak to a trained advisor 
• 999/A&E:  In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E