NHS Braces for Tough Choices as Doctors' Strikes Continue

As of November 14th, 2025, the NHS is facing a significant challenge as doctors across England continue their industrial action. This latest walkout, the 13th since March 2023, has prompted health leaders to issue a stark warning: the NHS may be forced to cut frontline staff, along with patient appointments and operations, if the strikes persist.

The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represent health trusts, have stated that the ongoing industrial action is placing immense pressure on already stretched budgets. The previous five-day walkout in July 2023 alone is estimated to have cost the health service a staggering £300 million.

The organizations have cautioned that if the NHS continues to bear the financial burden of these disputes, it could necessitate reductions in staff, alongside fewer tests, appointments, and operations. This would have a severe knock-on impact for patients, who would face longer waits for essential care, potentially leaving many unable to work without timely treatment.

The strikes are also impeding progress in reducing NHS waiting lists, despite early signs of a slight fall in September 2025 after three consecutive months of increases. The last time resident doctors went on strike, more than 54,000 procedures and appointments needed to be cancelled or rescheduled, even as the NHS maintained 93 percent of its planned activity.