NHS industrial action: Common questions and resources to help you
What is happening?
Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the government over the 2022/23 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action. As a result, members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are striking on 6 and 7 February, and members of the GMB and UNISON (ambulance staff) are striking on 23 January 2023. Members of the GMB are striking at West Midlands Ambulance Service only on 23 January, and GMB members at North West Ambulance service only are striking on 24 January. Members of the GMB are also striking on 6 and 20 February and 6 and 20 March. Ambulance workers who are members of Unite will also strike on 6, 17, 20 February and 20 March. Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy are striking on 26 January and 9 February.
The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the government and the trade unions. Read more information about the strikes at NHS briefing: Industrial action winter 2022.
What if I need urgent or emergency care?
Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If you do not have internet access then 111 helpline is available.
When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.
What do strikes mean for NHS services in my area?
Not every hospital and ambulance service will be affected by strike action. You can check which trusts are affected on each trade union’s website:
- GMB (23 January, 6 and 20 February and 6 and 20 March)
- Royal College of Nursing (6 and 7 February 2023)
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (26 January and 9 February)
- Unite (6, 17, 20, and 22 February and 20 March)
- UNISON (23 January)
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 we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment even if your Trust is affected by strikes.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal.
I have a loved one who will be a hospital inpatient on strike day – how will their care be affected?
All hospital inpatients will be informed of how their care will be impacted on a ward-by-ward basis by the staff involved in delivering their care.
Will GP services be affected on strike days?
GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
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 text, phone call or a letter, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
If my appointment is rescheduled, will I be put back to the bottom of the waiting list?
Any appointments that need to be rescheduled will be done so as a priority.
Is there anything I should do now?
No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes?
No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
What should I do if I need an ambulance?
On strike days, patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
For all other health care needs support will be available through NHS 111 online, via the NHS 111 helpline or at your local GP or pharmacy.
The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.
What is considered an emergency?
Patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
How long will services be impacted?
The nurses strikes on 6 and 7 February will last for 12 hours. The ambulance strikes on 23 January, 6, 17, 20, and 22 February and 20 February, and 6 and 20 March will last for up to 24 hours. However, patients should be aware that it may take slightly longer for services to return to normal.
