As junior doctors across England prepare to strike again this week, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"Trust leaders' worst fears have been realised. They were dreading more strikes this winter and now junior doctors are starting a three-day full walkout.

"This is the last thing the NHS needs. With the longest strike in NHS history planned for the new year, and senior medics having to cover for striking junior doctors, quality of care will be affected with efforts to cut waiting lists further dented by these walkouts.

"The NHS will still be there for people in an emergency.

"Trusts' top priority is keeping patients safe. They are working hard to minimise disruption as much as possible but the strikes will be very disruptive for patients and staff.

"Last winter was the worst that many trust leaders can remember and they're expecting this one to be even tougher as seasonal illnesses and bugs like flu take hold, adding to extreme pressure on hospital, ambulance, mental health and community services.

"Trust leaders understand how strongly junior doctors feel and why they're striking but we can't afford strikes to become 'business as usual'.

"The numbers speak for themselves: industrial action since last December has cost the NHS around £2bn and more than a million routine procedures and appointments have had to be rescheduled, above all to ensure safety.

"We urge the government and unions, without any preconditions, to get back round the negotiating table, break the deadlock and stop these strikes."