Responding to an update at an NHS England board meeting today that strikes through to the end of October have cost over £1bn with an equivalent financial loss of elective activity, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Sir Julian Hartley said:

"A year of strikes has had a huge financial impact on the NHS, with around £2bn in lost income from delayed operations, scans and procedures and the direct costs of providing cover for striking staff.

"At a time when NHS budgets are under serious strain, this is a cost the health service can ill afford.

"On top of this, spiralling medicine and energy costs have landed the NHS with an additional £1.7bn bill due to inflation.

"Patients have been left paying the price, too. More than one million appointments have had to be delayed due to almost a year of industrial action.

"With more walkouts looming, it's vital the government and unions get back around the table and do everything they can to resolve these strikes."