The BMA trade union representing resident doctors, has announced strike action from 7am on Monday, 15 June to 7am on Friday, 19 June 2026.
During this period, resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in England, will be striking, including those working for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
If we have to postpone your scheduled appointment or procedure, we will contact you directly. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment or procedure as planned.
If your appointment or procedure is postponed and you were due to come into hospital using patient transport ambulance services, please let them know.
We apologise in advance if you are affected by the strike action and we will contact you to rearrange new dates at the earliest opportunity.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Our accident and emergency department will remain open throughout the strike period and emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. However, we may be busier than usual.
It is 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.
As always, we encourage you to think about which is the most appropriate service for your needs. There are a range of options to help you, such as your local pharmacy, the NHS 111 service, or your GP.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days
All time critical maternity services will continue and if you need emergency maternity care during the strike period, then please contact our maternity services on 01284 713555 or dial 999.
Some routine appointments/procedures may need to be postponed. We will contact you directly if you are affected.
Will GP services be affected through the strike period?
GP services will continue running as per their usual schedule during the strike period. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
Is there anything I should do now?
We will contact you if your appointment or procedure needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Please ensure you have enough of any prescribed medications – you can order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, through your GP practice website, or if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice.
Check your stock of first aid supplies at home to make sure you have enough. To find what you need, the St John Ambulance website has a helpful guide.
Is there anything I should do during the strike period?
It is important that you take steps to keep yourself and others safe during this time, and check in on any vulnerable family members, loved ones or neighbours.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.