Kent health chief urges public to use NHS wisely as doctor strikes begin
Five-day strike coincides with record winter pressures and rising flu cases
Residents in Kent are being urged to use NHS services wisely as resident doctors start a five-day strike for better pay and more jobs. The industrial action comes during unprecedented winter pressures on hospitals, including a surge in flu cases and record levels of demand.
Dr Kate Langford, chief medical officer of NHS Kent and Medway, emphasised the need for public support and patience as services are stretched. “Urgent and emergency care will remain a priority, but strikes will likely disrupt appointments and operations."
"In less urgent cases, we ask people to contact NHS 111 first to help us direct them to the best service and keep emergency departments clear for those who need them most,” she said.
Impact on healthcare in Kent
Dr Langford confirmed that no advance notice is given regarding the number of doctors participating in strikes, making planning particularly challenging.
During the last strike, around 700 doctors in Kent walked out, leaving gaps in some departments.
Emergency departments, maternity units, and intensive care will be prioritised during the strikes, with senior staff deployed to ensure safety.
However, patients with planned operations or appointments may experience cancellations.
Dr Langford apologised for the inconvenience: “We fully understand the impact of rescheduling appointments, especially for those who’ve been waiting for care, but we must focus on delivering urgent treatments first.”
The strikes are happening amid ongoing pressure from flu cases that have risen sharply across Kent hospitals. Two hospitals in the region have introduced mask-wearing measures to prevent the spread of infections within wards.
Public advice during strikes
To alleviate pressure on the NHS, Kent residents are encouraged to consider alternative options for minor health concerns. Dr Langford advised:
In emergencies, such as strokes, heart attacks, or serious accidents, call 999 immediately or visit an A&E department where care will continue as usual.
For less urgent needs, check with NHS 111 before attending – they can direct people to pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, or other facilities with shorter waiting times.
Get vaccinated: Flu and Covid vaccinations are still available, and Dr Langford recommended pregnant women, parents of eligible children, and others at higher risk take this preventative measure.
“Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps reduce unnecessary admissions during peak times such as Christmas, allowing hospitals to cope better with the demands,” Dr Langford said.
National dispute over pay and conditions
The strikes follow the rejection of a revised Government offer aimed at resolving the ongoing job crisis among resident doctors.
Proposed measures included increasing specialty training posts from 1,000 to 4,000 over three years and prioritising UK medical graduates for these posts, but the BMA said the proposals fell far short of addressing pay concerns or creating new jobs.
A major bottleneck exists in specialty training, leaving many doctors in limbo after foundation years, says the BMA.
According to a BMA survey in July 2025, more than half of FY2 (foundation year 2) doctors faced unemployment, with no job to start in September.
The BMA’s Resident Doctors Committee Chair, Dr Jack Fletcher, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to patient safety during strikes while expressing disappointment over the Government’s approach. “This strike could have been avoided if the Government provided a credible offer. We’ll remain in close contact with NHS England to respond to safety concerns if needed,” Fletcher said.
Government response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the timing of the strikes, describing them as “self-indulgent, irresponsible, and dangerous” amidst the NHS’s busiest season.
“Our department’s focus will now be on mitigating the impact of strikes while helping the NHS face flu season and increased demand over the holidays. We are calling on resident doctors to reconsider the risks associated with abandoning patients at this critical time,” Mr Streeting said.
NHS Kent and Medway efforts to manage pressures
Despite ongoing challenges, Dr Langford assured Kent patients that robust plans are in place to maintain care deliveries during strikes.
“We’ve become very practised in planning for industrial action. We will continue to provide urgent care and do our best to keep planned services running where possible.”
For updates or further advice, patients are encouraged to visit NHS Kent and Medway’s website and check their appointment status with their GP or healthcare provider before attending.