The BMA were today formally asked to call off the proposed series of five-day strikes by junior doctors by NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, the organisations that represent NHS hospital, community, mental health and ambulance service trusts in England.

Their call is in response to the BMA’s decision to extend the strikes to three further five-day walkouts in October, November and December and the initial strike action planned for Monday 12 to Friday 16 September.

NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said: “The proposed strikes would lead to an estimated 125,000 lost operations and just over one million lost outpatient appointments. With barely any notice for trusts to prepare, this unprecedented level of strike action will cause major disruption and risk patient safety. NHS trust leaders agree with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges that this action is disproportionate.

“Less than 40% of junior doctors supported rejection of an agreement strongly endorsed by their own representatives. None have voted in favour of four sets of five-day strikes - by far the most disruptive industrial action in NHS history. The BMA Council was split down the middle when it considered the proposed strike action.

"Our board and the trusts we represent are therefore formally calling on the BMA to reconsider their proposed strikes for the sake of patients.”

NHS Confederation chief executive Stephen Dalton said: “We believe these strikes are disproportionate. We also don’t think there is a strong mandate for the additional strikes given they go well beyond the initial planned action. This will only cause further disruption to patient care and services and we urge the BMA to reconsider.”