Portsmouth NHS Braces for Impact as Resident Doctors Strike: Key Info for Locals

5-day walkout starts Friday, July 25 – here’s how QA Hospital and local services will be affected.

⚠️ Breaking Update: A five-day strike by resident doctors across England begins this Friday, July 25, and will significantly disrupt services at Queen Alexandra Hospital and across Portsmouth’s NHS.

Whether you have an upcoming appointment or rely on local healthcare, here’s what every Portsmouth resident needs to know:

Who’s Striking? The Role of Resident Doctors

"Resident doctors" (formerly junior doctors) are fully qualified physicians in speciality training. At QA Hospital and GP practices, they:

• Handle up to 50% of frontline hospital care.

• Perform critical tasks: diagnoses, overnight shifts, surgeries, and emergency response.

• Have up to 9 years' experience (hospital) or 5 years (GP training).

Local Context: They form nearly 25% of NHS doctors nationwide – their absence will be deeply felt at QA.

Why Are They Striking?

The British Medical Association (BMA) states:

Pay has fallen by over 25% in real terms since 2008.

They demand 29.2% "full pay restoration" to reverse cuts.

90% voted for strike action after failed government talks.

"No doctor wants to strike… If the Government comes to the table, disruption can be avoided." - BMA Spokesperson

Strike Dates & Duration

🕖 Starts: 7:00 AM, Friday, 25 July

⏱️ Ends: 7:00 AM, Wednesday, 30 July

📍 Total: 5 consecutive days

Portsmouth-Specific Impact

Affected Trusts:

• Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (QA Hospital)

• University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

• Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

• Isle of Wight NHS Trust

Expect at QA Hospital:

• ✅ Life-critical care protected.

• ❌ Delays/Cancellations: Routine appointments, non-urgent surgery, clinics.

• ⚠️ Longer A&E waits & heightened pressure on senior staff.

"Attend appointments UNLESS contacted. We’re prioritising urgent care, but services will be stretched." - Dr. Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Hants & IOW

What Should Portsmouth Residents Do?

1. ✅ Keep appointments unless the NHS contacts you.

2. ❌ DO NOT delay urgent care – strokes, chest pain, severe bleeding.

3. 🌐 Use NHS 111 online for non-emergencies.

4. 🚑 Reserve 999/A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

5. 💊 Try Pharmacy First: Local chemists treat minor illnesses (sinusitis, UTIs, rashes).

6. 🏥 Use Urgent Treatment Centres (e.g., St Mary’s, Gosport).

"Help us protect emergency services for those in critical need." – Hampshire NHS Spokesperson

Why This Matters to Portsmouth

Beyond pay, this strike highlights:

• Staff burnout risks long-term NHS retention.

• Future healthcare quality for Portsmouth families.

• QA Hospital’s resilience during system-wide strain.

Delays now could signal deeper challenges if workforce issues persist.

Share Your Experience

Affected by cancellations? Noticed longer waits?

👉 Comment below or message Best of Portsmouth directly. Your story helps spotlight local impact.

Stay informed. Support neighbours. Use services wisely.

#PortsmouthNHS #QAHospital #JuniorDoctorsStrike