Patients in Macclesfield are being urged to prepare for significant service disruption as resident doctors begin a six-day strike across all sites run by the East Cheshire NHS Trust. The walkout is due to start at 7am on Tuesday 7 April 2026 and will continue until 6.59am on Monday 13 April 2026.
The industrial action, organised by the British Medical Association, will impact services at Macclesfield District General Hospital, as well as Congleton War Memorial Hospital and Knutsford and District Community Hospital. The strike occurs during the Easter holiday period, creating additional challenges for hospital staff and local patients.
Dr John Hunter, Chief Medical Officer for the Trust, confirmed that officials are working with partners to enact contingency plans but warned that severe disruption to hospital services is expected. Patients are advised to attend their appointments as normal unless they are contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. The public is also being reminded to use A&E services only for genuine, life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, persistent seizures, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding, or serious head injuries.
The dispute, which marks the 15th round of industrial action since March 2023, centres on disagreements over pay progression. While the government proposed a pay award alongside reforms to pay progression spread over three years, the union has pushed for the funding to be delivered within the 2026-27 financial year. NHS leaders have warned that this latest round of action is estimated to cost the health service £300 million and will result in widespread appointment cancellations and longer waiting times for treatment.
This strike action follows recent reports from the Care Quality Commission, which downgraded the ratings for urgent and emergency services and medical services at Macclesfield District General Hospital from good to requires improvement. As the local health service manages these pressures during the upcoming six-day period, residents are encouraged to plan ahead for their healthcare needs.
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