Responding to the announcement by the British Medical Association (BMA) on strike ballots for junior doctors, Miriam Deakin, interim deputy chief executive and director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers said:

"The announcement by the BMA that junior doctors could begin their action with a 72-hour full walkout in March, with no emergency cover if a ballot is successful, is deeply worrying.

"However, the ballot for industrial action by junior doctors is yet to open and it's important not to pre-empt the outcome. Should junior doctors vote for industrial action, trust leaders will do everything they can to minimise disruption and prioritise the safe delivery of care and services for patients.

"Trust leaders are very concerned about the possibility of prolonged or co-ordinated strike action by health unions in the coming months. They also understand the factors that have driven junior doctors and other healthcare workers to ballot on industrial action.

"We are reiterating our plea to both the government and union leaders to get around the table and find an agreed solution, including on pay, as soon as possible. Prolonged action is something everyone wants to avoid."