Responding to a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announcement of where planned strikes by nurses in December will take place, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Trust leaders have planned for industrial action but want the government and nurses' leaders to talk urgently to find a solution that will avert strikes. The RCN has been clear about the potential to escalate action in January if talks don't take place, so engagement is really important.

"Everybody wants to avoid prolonged industrial action. We understand how strongly nurses feel and why it has come to this but the NHS is facing what may be its hardest ever winter, amid severe staff shortages and ever-increasing demand for services.

"Trusts affected will do everything they can to minimise disruption for patients. Their priorities remain ensuring the safe delivery of care and supporting the wellbeing of staff."