NHS consultants swap stethoscopes for a two‑day strike, leaving hospitals in a ‘doctor‑less’ dilemma

On 25 November at 6.59 am, NHS consultants will begin a 48‑hour walkout, meaning only emergency doctors will remain on duty.

The British Medical Association says the strike is over disputes about pay and pensions and that the action will affect all of England.

Because only emergency cover is guaranteed, elective appointments and surgeries are expected to be postponed while trusts re‑allocate resources.

Junior staff will have to pick up the slack, and hospitals will be running on a skeleton crew of emergency personnel.

The situation will test the NHS’s resilience as it tries to keep core services running while consultants negotiate better conditions.