Get the help you need during the resident doctors’ strike

People across West Yorkshire are being encouraged to plan ahead for their healthcare needs as resident doctors take industrial action from 7am on Monday 15 June until 7am on Friday 19 June 2026.

Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are qualified doctors who make up around half of the medical workforce in the NHS. While NHS organisations across West Yorkshire have robust plans in place to maintain safe services, the strike action is expected to place additional pressure on hospitals, mental health services and urgent care.

Throughout the industrial action, consultants, specialist doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will continue working, with services focused on providing safe care and prioritising patients who need urgent and emergency treatment.

Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The NHS is working hard to minimise disruption and ensure people continue to receive safe care during the strike period. However, with fewer doctors available than usual, some services will be under increased pressure and some patients may experience longer waits.

“We are asking people to help us by planning ahead, making sure they have enough medication, attending appointments as normal unless they are contacted, and choosing the right NHS service for their needs.

“If you have an appointment or planned procedure scheduled during the strike period, please continue to attend unless you hear directly from the NHS. If we need to rearrange your appointment, we will contact you as soon as possible.”

The NHS will only postpone appointments and procedures where it is necessary to do so. Patients whose care is affected will be contacted directly and offered an alternative appointment as quickly as possible.

GP practices will remain open during the industrial action and patients should attend appointments as usual unless advised otherwise.

People are also being encouraged to take a few simple steps ahead of the strike period:

• Order any repeat prescriptions in good time and collect medications before they are needed.
• Make sure household first aid supplies are stocked up.
• Check in on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone who may need additional support.
• Familiarise yourself with local NHS services and how to access them if needed by visiting togetherwe-can.com.

Anyone needing medical help should continue to come forward as normal.

For urgent health advice, use NHS 111 online or call 111. The service is available 24 hours a day and can direct people to the most appropriate care.

Parents and carers of young children can also find health advice on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.

Mental health support will also continue to be available throughout the strike period, visit togetherwe-can.com/ for details of local services. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for urgent support. 

Emergency departments and 999 services remain available for serious and life-threatening emergencies, including severe illness, major injuries and mental health emergencies where there is an immediate risk to life.