THE local NHS is calling on residents to do their bit to help minimise disruption to NHS services during planned industrial action.

Resident doctors at major hospitals in mid and south Essex (including basildon) are scheduled to strike for five days. They will walk out at 7am on Friday, 14 November until 7am on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

NHS Mid and South Essex is asking people to attend their appointments as normal, unless they've been contacted to reschedule.

To help local services, the NHS is also asking people to use services appropriately and avoid unnecessary trips to local hospitals or GP practices.

Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex, commented: "Making sure residents with the greatest need have access to care is our highest priority. All our hardworking staff in our hospitals, community services and GP practices are working closely together to keep patients safe and minimise disruption during industrial action.

"We're asking everyone's help by making sure they think carefully before going to an NHS service. NHS 111 online can help you find the right care for your needs and may save you a trip to the hospital or GP. Your local pharmacy can also help with common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, and sinus infections.

"With everyone's support we can make sure the NHS remains here to help when you need it. If it's serious, then please do get in touch."

Regardless of any strike action taking place, patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward as normal as 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 safely.

Residents that need urgent support should contact NHS 111, which is available 24/7 for advice and guidance on the best care option for their needs. For routine care and minor illnesses, local pharmacies can provide expert advice, treatment, and support.

In the event of an emergency, residents should contact the emergency services as normal.

The NHS expects that urgent and emergency services will be under pressure and waiting times for care may be considerably longer than usual.

While local services will be working hard to only cancel appointments where it is necessary, some routine and pre-planned appointments may need to be postponed as the NHS prioritises those with more urgent needs.

Those affected by these changes are being contacted directly, there is no need for people to contact the NHS service. If people are not contacted, they should go to their appointments at the time and place scheduled.

NHS ADVICE includedes: 

NHS 111

Residents can get urgent help by using NHS 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk) or calling 111. Symptoms will be assessed, and advice provided. NHS 111 can also send an ambulance and can book an appointment with some services.

Booking GP appointments online

GP practices will continue to be open during the resident doctors' strikes. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

For GP practices, phonelines may be busier than usual. Residents can contact their GP practice or book an appointment online using the NHS App or the GP practices' e-consultation service.

Pharmacy First

Most community pharmacies in mid and south Essex can offer NHS treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. These are:

• earache (for those aged between 1 and 17),
• impetigo
• infected insect bites
• shingles
• sinusitis
• sore throat
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 years

Age restrictions apply, please see full details at https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/support/local-pharmacy-information/

Pharmacists can also provide advice or signpost to other local services when the need arises.

Mental health support

Adults experiencing a mental health crisis, can speak to a mental health professional anytime, day or night, by calling NHS 111 and selecting the option for mental health. Under 18s who need urgent mental health support can call 0800 995 1000.

For more mental health support, visit: Healthy Minds - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System