Industrial action by resident doctors will be taking place from 7:00am on Monday 15 June to 6:59am Friday 19 June 2026.
This four-day strike coincides with the latest spell of potential hot weather expected around the start of the football World Cup, with millions turning out to watch England’s first match against Croatia on Wednesday.
The region’s top doctor is reminding those who need care to come forward amid rising pressure expected next week.
While hotter temperatures could see more people seeking emergency care, hospitals across the country have been working around the clock to minimise disruption and keep patients safe during this period of industrial action.
NHS 111, community pharmacies, GP practices and other urgent and emergency services will still be available throughout the strike period.
Hospitals and local services have tried and tested plans in place to respond to increased demand while keeping as much routine care running as possible.
Professor Edward Morris CBE FRCOG, Regional Medical Director for the NHS in the East of England, said:
It is disappointing to be facing another round of industrial action by resident doctors at this time after making real improvements in reducing waiting lists across the region.
“Despite what we expect to be a busy week with hot weather and the World Cup starting, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working during these strikes. Teams across the East of England are ready to maintain safe care and limit the disruption to patients. The last round of industrial action showed that we were able to keep most services going for our patients.
“If you have a healthcare appointment over the next few days, please attend as normal unless told otherwise by the NHS.
“Everyone can help the NHS through this period – with the hot weather coming up, people need to stay cool, stay out of the sun, and stay hydrated during the hottest hours, and seek help when they need it, especially the very young, elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Patients should continue to attend all planned appointments unless they are specifically contacted directly to rearrange them.
Anyone needing urgent but non-life-threatening help should use 111 online first, where they will be directed to the most appropriate service.
People with life-threatening emergencies should continue to call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said:
The NHS is bracing itself for another round of needless strike action that neither public nor the majority of resident doctors support, this time coinciding with the added pressures of an expected heatwave and the World Cup.
“I want to reassure patients that the NHS is more resilient than ever at managing strike action. NHS staff are already making an extraordinary effort to minimise disruption to your care, and I cannot thank them enough – including those covering for absent colleagues, and the resident doctors who will choose not to walk out.
“It is very disappointing the BMA has chosen to press ahead with these strikes despite recent intensive conversations on how we can further build on what was already a strong deal to boost resident doctors’ pay, working lives and career prospects.
“It is still not too late for the BMA to do the right thing for patients, resident doctors and the NHS by returning to the table, giving its members a say and ending this dispute.