Resident doctor industrial action

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that industrial action (strikes) involving resident doctors will take place between 7am on Wednesday 17 December and 7am on Monday 22 December 2025. 

As always, our priority is keeping patients safe and providing emergency care. We appreciate families’ understanding during this busy time and thank you for being kind and patient with our staff, who are working very hard. 

At this time of year, lots more children and young people come to Sheffield Children’s Emergency Department (ED) than usual. This year is even busier because more people have flu and respiratory illnesses. 

 Jeff Perring, Medical Director at Sheffield Children’s, said: “We’ve worked closely with colleagues and partner services to put plans in place to keep services safe during the industrial action.  

 “Our priority is always the children and families who rely on us, and we will focus on providing care for children who need it urgently. With very high winter demand and flu along with industrial action, some waits may be longer especially for non-urgent conditions. We thank families for their support and understanding during this time.” 

What should families do? 

• Families will be contacted directly if their appointments are impacted by the industrial action. If you haven’t been contacted, children and young people should attend appointments as usual.  

• If your child needs emergency care, our Emergency Department is open and will provide care for any child or young person who needs us. However, please be aware that waiting times are likely to be significantly longer than usual, particularly for non-urgent conditions. 

Choose well 

Only visit our Emergency Department if you need to – help us by Choosing Well, advice is available on our website.  

Please consider consulting a pharmacist, visiting NHS 111 online, calling NHS 111, or going to the NHS Walk-in Centre on Broad Lane, S1 3PB, before coming to the Emergency Department. If you are seriously concerned about your child and these options are not suitable, please come to the Emergency Department or call 999.  

The Healthier Together website also provides clear, trusted advice on caring for children with minor illnesses and injuries, and when to seek urgent help.