Responding to the announcement by the RCN of two sequential nurse strike dates in January, and to GMB’s that next week's ambulance strike has been suspended until next month, Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive at NHS Providers said:  

"Today's announcement of two more strike dates by nurses in January will pile even more pressure on an already overstretched health service following the recent strikes by nurses and ambulance staff – alongside many other winter challenges.

"Disruption to patient services due to the strikes in the last two weeks saw thousands of appointments being rescheduled or cancelled. This will have a domino effect on health and care services for days to come and will only be compounded by further industrial action in the new year.

"Though many will welcome next week's ambulance strike being suspended, it means the disruption is being deferred to the new year, which is an extremely difficult period for trust leaders even in normal circumstances.

"We understand how nurses and ambulance staff feel, and how they have reached this point. Below-inflation pay awards, the cost-of-living crisis, severe staff shortages and ever-increasing workloads make for near-impossible conditions.

"It’s deeply concerning that escalated and prolonged action is set to unfold in January. Serious talks, including specifically on pay, need to take place between health ministers and unions without delay."