What is happening? Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the Government over the 2022/23 pay award. Several of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action and confirmed dates are available from NHS Employers. The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the Government and the trade unions. What is a junior doctor? Junior doctors are qualified doctors in clinical training. They have completed a medical degree and foundation training and, across their entire career, can have up to eight years' of working experience as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty, or up to three years of working experience in general practice. All junior doctors work under the supervisor of a senior doctor. NHS services Will GP services be affected on strike days? When strike action is taking place patients should continue to attend GP appointments, unless they are contacted and told otherwise. What do strikes mean for NHS services in my area? You can check which services are affected in your area on the NHS England website. Patients should be aware that where strike action has taken place, it may take slightly longer for services to return to normal. During strike action the NHS will prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery. We will only cancel appointments and procedures where it is necessary. Any appointments that need to be rescheduled, will be done so as soon as possible. Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice about over-the-counter medicines for common conditions, such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, or a painful cough or a headache, without the need for an appointment. As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services, including emergency contraception and incontinence supplies. Find your nearest pharmacy at NHS.uk. Appointments What if I have an appointment on a strike day? Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment even if your hospital is affected by strikes. Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes? No, if you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled? The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a letter or phone call, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. Is there anything I should do now? No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. | 
