Patients in Ipswich are being advised to check their medical appointments for next week as resident doctors prepare for a six-day walkout. The strike action, organised by the British Medical Association, is set to begin at 7am on Tuesday 7 April and will continue until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.
The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which operates services in Ipswich including the Woodlands Unit, has confirmed that the industrial action will have an impact on its local facilities. Patients who have tests, treatment, or surgery planned during this period should contact the trust before attending to confirm the status of their appointment.
This upcoming walkout is the 15th round of industrial action in an ongoing national pay dispute that began in March 2023, and it is the longest strike of the current campaign. NHS leaders have warned that the service will face significant pressure during this time, with officials estimating the national cost to be around £300 million. The dispute involves a disagreement over pay, with the union arguing that resident doctors’ pay remains 20% lower than it was in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
Anyone in need of urgent mental health support during the strike period can still call 111 and select the mental health option to reach a 24-hour helpline.
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