Oxford University Hospitals braces for further strike action

Resident doctors at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) are striking from 7am on Tuesday, April 7, until 7am on Monday, April 13, as part of an ongoing dispute with the Government.

This follows previous industrial action in December 2025 and is expected to impact patient appointments and waiting times, particularly in Emergency Departments.

Felicity Taylor-Drewe, chief operating officer at OUH, said: “As always, our top priority during this planned industrial action is ensuring patient safety while maintaining the highest standard of care.

“We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we have measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our staff.”

The hospital trust will continue to provide urgent and emergency care, but some planned appointments and procedures will be rescheduled.

Affected patients will be contacted directly.

OUH is asking the public to use NHS 111 online, a local pharmacy, minor injuries unit or GP for non-emergency healthcare during the strike.

Ms Taylor-Drewe said: “With industrial action reducing the number of resident doctors we have working in our hospitals, there will inevitably be a knock-on effect.

“Patients may experience longer waiting times, particularly in our two Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General Hospitals.”

She also urged the public to treat NHS staff respectfully during this period.

Adding: “Our staff are working extremely hard during this challenging period – please do treat them with respect.”