Deadlock over NHS pay putting patients in danger, chief nurses warn

In a joint statement, the chief nurses highlighted their concern that patients’ health could suffer as a direct result of the increasing disruption the stoppages are causing. Photograph: Matt Crossick/PA

Deadlock over NHS pay is putting patients in danger and risks hardening the position of unions, 10 chief nurses have warned on the eve of the biggest strikes in the health service’s history.

Unions have warned that the government is making no moves towards resolving the strikes, with one general secretary accusing the government of lying about the state of negotiations.