Stockport NHS Trust Prepares for Six-Day Junior Doctors' Strike in April
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is urging local residents to prepare for six days of industrial action scheduled for early April. The strike, involving resident doctors, commonly referred to as junior doctors, who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA), will affect all NHS organisations, including Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. This trust manages Stepping Hill Hospital and local community NHS services.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The industrial action is set to occur from 7am on Tuesday, April 13, 2026, to 7am on Monday, April 13, 2026. A spokesperson for the trust emphasized the importance of public support during this period. They advised, "We are calling on the public's continued support by asking people to continue to access healthcare in the most appropriate way."
For non-emergency conditions, the trust recommends using NHS 111 online as a first step or seeking help from alternative services such as GP practices or pharmacies. The spokesperson added, "If a condition is not life, limb or sight-threatening, please use NHS 111 online in the first instance or alternative services such as your GP or pharmacy."
Emergency Services to Remain Operational
Despite the strike, the trust has assured the public that robust plans are in place to safeguard emergency services. Essential life-saving departments will continue to operate without interruption. These include the Emergency Department and Accident and Emergency (A&E), Paediatric A&E, Maternity services, Emergency Theatres, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which covers Neonatal Intensive Care and Paediatric Intensive Care. Additionally, Chemotherapy and Dialysis services will be maintained.
The spokesperson stated, "As with previous periods of industrial action, we are offering reassurance to the public that robust plans are in place to protect our emergency services and to safely care for patients who are in urgent need."
Potential Disruptions to Appointments
However, the strike is expected to impact several non-urgent services. Outpatient and surgical appointments may need to be rescheduled. Patients with scheduled appointments during the strike period are advised to attend as usual unless contacted directly by the trust. The spokesperson explained, "If you have an appointment planned with any of our services during the period of industrial action, unless otherwise advised, all patients are asked to attend as normal."
They further noted, "You do not need to contact us or your GP, as anyone whose appointments or care may be impacted will be contacted directly by us to reschedule a new date as soon as possible."
Further Information and Location Details
Additional advice and updates are available on the news section of the trust's website at www.stockport.nhs.uk. Stepping Hill Hospital, which is part of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, is located in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The trust continues to monitor the situation closely to minimize disruptions and ensure patient safety during the industrial action.
