Responding to an announcement by Unison of two further strike dates by ambulance staff in January, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Today's announcement of two more strike dates by a wider range of ambulance workers in January will add even more pressure to an already challenging situation following strike action by nurses and ambulance staff earlier in the week.

"We've already seen significant disruption to patient services with thousands of appointments being rescheduled or cancelled, with the fallout from this week's strike action likely to be felt for days to come.

"And we know that ambulance staff don't want to be striking either, but feel driven to take this step.

"The potential to continue to escalate action and for prolonged, co-ordinated strikes by more health unions in January if talks – including on pay – don't take place is incredibly worrying.

"There are no winners in this situation. Serious talks must take place between health ministers and unions – and fast."