The BMA trade union representing resident doctors, has announced strike action from 7am Friday, 14 November until 7am Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
During this period, resident doctors (formerly junior doctors) in England will be striking, including those working for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Richard Goodwin, medical director for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"As with previous rounds of industrial action, we have been hard at work putting in robust and detailed plans that allow us to maintain safe care while delivering the majority of appointments and procedures.
“Our focus over these days is to continue providing safe care, and we will do all we can to ensure appointments and treatments go ahead but if we must reschedule, we will contact you directly. If you don’t hear from us, please continue attending as planned.
“Should anyone need urgent treatment during this time, please continue coming forward. However, for any minor illnesses or injuries, please consider seeing your GP, calling NHS 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk or visiting your local pharmacist.”
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
We may have to postpone your scheduled appointment or procedure. Should this happen, we will contact you directly. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as normal.
If your appointment 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 will contact you to rearrange new dates as soon as we can.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Our accident and emergency department will be open throughout the strike period and emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. However, we anticipate we will be very busy.
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 maternity services be affected through the strike period?
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 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.