The NHS in West Yorkshire is urging people to choose the right service for their healthcare needs, as it prepares for 5 days of industrial action by resident doctors from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December 2025.
Here at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, there are also Perioperative Theatres staff taking (separate) action, through their union Unison, on 18 and 19 December.
Resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors) are fully trained doctors with up to eight years of experience – they account for around 50% of doctors working in the NHS. This means that NHS services will be under a huge amount of pressure leading up to, and during the strike, though hospitals will be doing everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of patients.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The safety and care of people who use our services is our highest priority, and it is important that people continue to use our services when they need them.
“NHS teams across West Yorkshire will be working throughout the strike period to keep people safe and well, but services will be affected. Our region’s hospitals and mental health trusts will be significantly impacted, as will some GP practices, and this will have a knock on effect on other parts of the healthcare system.
“That’s why we’re asking everyone to work with us to ensure they’re prepared for their medical needs during the strike action.
“Some hospital appointments and planned treatment may need to be rearranged but please attend any booked appointments unless you hear otherwise. Healthcare teams will contact people as soon as possible if your appointment needs to be changed.
“If you take regular medication, check you have enough, and if you need more, please order and collect it before the planned strikes. Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet can also help with minor injuries or ailments.
“If you or someone close to you needs medical help, please get advice about the most appropriate treatment option by using 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or calling 111 if you don’t have access to the internet. Remember 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses.”
NHS 111 is a free, 24 hour online or phone service that provides help and advice on the most appropriate medical care; it can also arrange phone consultations with healthcare professionals and book appointments at urgent treatment and out of hours medical centres. Parents and carers of young children can also find health advice on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.
Mental health support will continue to be available throughout the strike period. Visit togetherwe-can.com/ for details of local services. For urgent help in a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Regardless of the planned strike action, the NHS is urging anyone who needs medical care to continue to come forward in the normal way: attending booked appointments unless they are contacted; using NHS 111 for advice on which service to use; or calling 999 or going to your nearest emergency department (A&E) if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.