Junior doctors in England are set to begin a five-day strike later this month.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"It's another body blow for leaders of NHS services already stretched to the limit.

"Seventy days of industrial action across the NHS in England since December 2022, costing the NHS around £3bn and delaying more than 1.4m routine appointments and procedures, have added to pressure throughout the NHS.

"Patients having to wait even longer for the care they need is a huge concern.

"Before it's too late politicians and unions must get back to serious talks which can address doctors' concerns, resolve the dispute and prevent more strikes.

"We need to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Trust leaders want to be able to put all of their energy into giving patients first-class care and cutting waiting lists rather than having to spend too much time planning for and coping with disruptive strikes."