Resident Doctor Strike Action: 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December
By Harry Mottram: The strike by resident doctors – previously known as junior doctors – should not cause too many issues in Bath according to the RUH. The hospital has moved to reassure patients, out patients and visitors that they should not make any changes to appointments or visits – unless the hospital contacts them.
A&E is open as normal 24hrs a day
Maternity is open as normal
Appointments should be kept unless the patient is messaged otherwise
GP surgeries and chemists are open
The RUH said: “We are working hard to minimise the impact this action has on patients. 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 safely. Resident doctors are qualified doctors in clinical training. They have completed a medical degree and foundation training, and have anywhere up to eight years’ experience working as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty. If you have an appointment or procedure booked, please attend unless you hear from us. You do not need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead. We will be in touch with patients directly if we need to rearrange an appointment.
“Our emergency department remains open 24 hours a day, if you have a life-threatening emergency. During industrial action means there will be fewer doctors working than usual and they will need to prioritise lifesaving care. Waiting times may be longer than usual while we focus on treating our most seriously ill patients. Urgent Care will not be staffed from 10pm until 8am. If you arrive late in the day, you may not be seen overnight. A senior clinician will assess whether you have an emergency condition and should be seen in ED or whether you should return for a booked appointment the following day.”
They added that if you have a minor illness or minor injury, local GP surgeries and pharmacies are open. Otherwise for urgent medical problems that are not emergencies dial 111 – emergencies as usual are 999 on the phone.
The hospital also said they continue to welcome family members and loved ones to visit patients. There are no changes to our visiting arrangements during this time so please continue to follow the visiting hours provided by the ward team.
Nationally medical director Prof Meghana Pandit said: “These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital with flu for this time of year. Staff will come together as they always do, going above and beyond to provide safe care for patients and limit disruption. But sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two – and staff who are covering will not get the Christmas break they deserve with their families.”
The man in the hot seat who has been negotiating with the BMA Government Minister Wes Streeting MP said: “We have been working right up to today to try and avert these strike actions. Everyone knows the period leading up to Christmas and into the New Year are always the busiest for the NHS. With super flu, this year is harder. And that double whammy of flu plus strikes means that there is an additional burden now on other NHS staff.”
The strike is not just about pay – but about the situation for new doctors wanting to get a job and for opportunities after qualification. Their union wants a long-term plan to increase the pay of resident doctors, plus a guarantee of new training places for qualified doctors. Pay is an issue as the level has fallen short of the rise in the cost of living in the last few years but is only one part of the grievance.
The BMA said there will be a Union Picket in Bristol: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston FT. Date/time: 17 December 2025, 9.00am – 11.30am. Strike location: Bristol Royal Infirmary, Outside main BRI entrance on Upper Maudlin Street, BS2 8HW.
Photo from the BMA.
Until 2024 resident doctors were called junior doctors which suggested a less important status but in fact they are all qualified as medical practitioners – but continue with some postgraduate training while on the job where training is possible.
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