The NHS has issued a plea urging people to keep ‘coming forward for care’ if they need it for the next week.
In case you hadn’t heard, earlier this month, the British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed that doctors had ‘spoken clearly’ after the results of a ballot – which ran from 27 May until 7 July – revealed that 90% of resident doctors voted in favour of a return to industrial action.
The ballot saw a turnout of 55% members, with almost 30,000 (29,741) votes cast, and 26,766 of those votes endorsing the use of strike action as part of efforts to restore pay.
The result meant that resident doctors secured a fresh mandate to stage industrial action when they choose up until January 2026.
Resident doctors will be staging strike action for the next five days / Credit: BMA
As the results of the ballot proved that the vast majority of resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – were in favour of taking industrial action, it was then subsequently confirmed they will stage a full walk out from 7am tomorrow (Friday 25 July) up until 7am on Wednesday 30 July.
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Ahead of the strikes beginning tomorrow morning, the NHS has now appealed directly to the public urging them to not be deterred from seeking treatment if they need it during this time frame.
According to the NHS, hospitals and local teams across the UK have all been preparing ‘as usual’ ahead of this latest round of strikes, and plans have been put in place to minimise disruption to patient experiences and ensure life-saving care continues.
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The NHS is urging patients to still keep coming forward for care if they need it / Credit: Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
Hospital chief executives have been asked to keep routine operations going ‘to the fullest extent possible’ during this round of strikes, and to only reschedule appointments and other activity in ‘exceptional circumstances’.
This is why the NHS is therefore advising the public to continue to attend any planned appointments that they have scheduled over the strike period unless they have been contacted to reschedule.
Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them.
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From tomorrow, some NHS services will be affected due to strike action.
While some appointments won’t go ahead as planned, NHS staff are doing all they can to limit disruption – and patients should continue to use services in the usual way.
The public should use 111 online as the ‘first port of call’ for issues that are considered urgent but not life-threatening during industrial action, so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs, while calling 999 or heading to A&E as normal should happen in the event of an emergency.
“There is no doubt this industrial action will take a toll on patients and NHS staff, and it is disappointing it is going ahead,” commented Professor Meghana Pandit, who is NHS England’s National Medical Director, ahead of the strikes.
“While it will mean some appointments won’t be able to go ahead as planned, we are doing all we can to limit this, and patients should continue to use NHS services in the usual way.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
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Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Manchester set to host five UEFA EURO 2028 matches – including England’s opening game
Emily Sergeant
Manchester has been confirmed to be the host of five matches at the upcoming UEFA EURO tournament in 2028.
This also, crucially, would include England‘s opening match, should they qualify directly.
The joint announcement by Manchester City and Manchester City Council today comes as UEFA has now released key details about the UK & Ireland 2028 competition – which, as it stands, is less than 1,000 days away.
It has been confirmed that the Etihad Stadium – which is known as The City of Manchester Stadium when not relating to Manchester City football club – will host four Group Stage matches across four different groups, offering both local and international football fans the chance to see a range of different national teams in action.
On top of this, Manchester will also be the host a Round of 16 knockout match as the tournament progresses.
UEFA EURO 2028 will kick off at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff on Friday 9 June 2028, culminating in the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 9 July 2028.
Across the UK and Ireland, nine stadiums will host matches during the upcoming tournament – with other northern stadiums including Everton Stadium in Liverpool, and St James’ Park over in Newcastle.
More than three million tickets – as sold by UEFA – are set to be available for the tournament, and more information on this will be issued in due course.
Following an independent assessment, UEFA EURO 2028 is expected to generate up to £3.6 billion in socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031, with benefits including job creation, regional growth, and direct spending from international visitors.
The countdown has started in Manchester for #EURO2028!
Five matches are scheduled to be played here – including England's opener if they qualify – and more than 300,000 fans will be welcomed to the city in June 2028.
Emily Sergeant -
24th July 2025 
