Ahead of the 72-hour junior doctors' strike due to start on Monday 13 March, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"Trust leaders are doing everything they can to ensure patients receive high-quality care during the strikes next week.

"But the junior doctors' walkout signals a significant escalation of industrial action, and widespread disruption will be inevitable. With over 140,000 appointments postponed due to strike action so far, this is the last thing anyone wants.

"The NHS will continue to be there for anyone who needs emergency care. We are urging the public to use A&E and to call 999 for emergencies but to consider whether non-urgent health concerns could be more appropriately dealt with via the NHS 111 website, community pharmacists or their GP.

"We understand junior doctors feel pushed to this point by challenges including workforce shortages and below-inflation pay.

"It's not too late to change course. Even at this 11^th hour, we're urging the government and the unions to enter negotiations on pay immediately so that the strikes can be averted, and staff can continue to deliver the care that patients deserve."