NHS industrial action: 14th November to 19th November 2025

In response to planned industrial action by the British Medical Association (BMA), the NHS in Gloucestershire is making plans to minimise disruption as much as possible and to preserve patient care.

During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate.

You can find out more on the Gloucestershire Hospitals website.

• It is really important that you continue to come forward as normal for urgent medical care – especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured. Therefore, please take note below of the temporary changes to emergency care provision in Gloucestershire during the strike.
• The NHS is working hard to minimise the impact this action has on patients. All routine and planned care is expected to go ahead. However, the NHS may need to reschedule some appointments.
• To enable available emergency care staff to come together at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and ensure patient safety during the strike, the NHS is making some temporary changes. 

Temporary changes to Cheltenham A&E

• From 8pm on Thursday 13 November, the department will become a Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (MIIU).
• Daytime (8am–8pm): The department will operate as an MIIU from Friday 14 November to Tuesday 18 November.
• Overnight (8pm–8am): The department will be closed overnight from Friday 14 November until 8am on Wednesday 19 November, when normal A&E services will resume.

Planned operations, outpatient clinics and procedures

• Patients who have a planned operation, outpatient clinic or procedure between Friday 14th November until (and including) Wednesday 19th November (during the strike) should attend as usual unless they hear from us directly to advise otherwise.
• Patient visiting will continue.
• If people have an urgent care need, but are not sure which service to use, they are asked to visit 111.nhs.uk in the first instance or call 111 for advice. The 111 phone service can book people into local NHS services if required, but is likely to see an increase in calls.

Community Minor Injury and Illness Units and GP practices across the county will continue to provide services. The public can get advice on their healthcare options at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

There is a national Q&A for patients on the NHS England website.