Responding to the new survey from the Royal College of Physicians, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"This new survey reinforces our concerns about pressures facing the NHS this winter.

"NHS frontline staff continue to work incredibly hard and trust leaders pay tribute to their commitment and dedication. It is always deeply concerning to hear reports of low morale among the medical workforce. Trust leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about workforce burnout in the NHS.

"This is even more important as we head into the challenging winter months. The NHS is already under significant strain as the health service works flat out to recover care backlogs, deal with increased demand for emergency care, while grappling with serious staffing pressures.

"Added to these pressures, trusts are facing the triple whammy of flu, coronavirus and other respiratory infections, such as RSV, which risks worsening operational pressures.

"This winter the NHS could be the busiest it's ever been. It is vital national bodies work with NHS leaders to get the planning for winter pressures right to help manage the risk ahead.”