What percentage of operations are UK hospitals able to maintain during the doctors' strike?

Hospitals in the UK are able to maintain 99% of their operations during the 5-day doctors' strike.

How does the current strike participation by resident doctors compare to previous walkouts?

According to hospital bosses, fewer resident doctors are taking part in the current strike compared to previous strikes organized by the British Medical Association.

What is the NHS England's target for appointment cancellations during the strike?

NHS England has instructed clinics to try to avoid cancelling more than 5% of planned appointments during the strike, which is a significant improvement from the last strike in July when around 54,000 appointments were axed.

Home / Health / Hospitals Maintain 99% of Operations Despite Doctors' Strike

Hospitals Maintain 99% of Operations Despite Doctors' Strike

15 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Hospitals able to carry out 99% of operations during strike
Fewer resident doctors participating in strike compared to previous walkouts
NHS England aims to cancel no more than 5% of planned appointments

Hospitals Maintain 99% of Operations Despite Doctors' Strike

As of November 15th, 2025, hospitals in the UK have been able to continue with 99% of their operations despite a 5-day strike by doctors. According to hospital bosses, fewer resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are taking part in the walkout compared to previous strikes organized by the British Medical Association.

NHS England had instructed clinics to try to avoid cancelling more than 5% of planned appointments during the strike. This is a significant improvement from the last strike in July, when around 54,000 appointments were axed. Nick Hulme, chief of East Suffolk and North Essex hospitals, stated that they could stick to 99% of operations and 97% of appointments, reflecting a "higher level of people coming back" to work.

Daniel Elkeles, chief of NHS Providers on behalf of hospital managers, added that on average, only half of the resident doctors are taking industrial action, which is less than the previous strike. Many doctors seem to be saying, "I don't agree, I'm coming to work," indicating a changing mood among the medical staff.