Resident doctors will be taking industrial action for five days from Friday. 

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that resident doctors will take strike action from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November. 

The University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust (UHNM) explained that this latest period of industrial action comes as the NHS continues to manage the busy winter period. 

They stressed that while strikes are taking place, consultants, specialist doctors and all other NHS staff will continue to work, with the focus on maintaining safe services and prioritising care for those who need it most. 

UHNM said: "UHNM will continue to work closely with the BMA to ensure patient safety is protected and safe staffing levels are in place for emergency and urgent care throughout the strike period." 

Dr Mark Poulson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at UHNM, said: "Our Emergency Department at Royal Stoke University Hospital will remain open 24 hours a day for anyone who needs it. 

"If someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk, please continue to come forward as normal or call 999. For urgent but non-life-threatening needs, please use NHS 111 online as the first point of contact they can direct you to the most appropriate service." 

UHNM explained that because there will be fewer doctors working than usual, life-saving and emergency care will be prioritised meaning that less urgent cases may experience longer waits, and some appointments or procedures may need to be rescheduled. 

UHNM said: "If you have a hospital appointment booked, please attend as planned unless you are contacted by UHNM. You will be informed directly if your appointment needs to be rearranged. 

"Thanks to the dedication of NHS staff during the last period of industrial action in July 2025 — including many resident doctors who volunteered for extra shifts — UHNM was able to maintain more planned activity than during previous strikes. 

"With an expected rise in flu cases following this period of action, and in preparation for peak winter pressures, UHNM is focusing not only on maintaining performance during the strikes but also on recovering services as quickly as possible afterwards." 

Patients have been urged to continue to attend their appointments unless they have been contacted by UHNM to reschedule.