NHS consultants’ strike in England may cancel surgery for tens of thousands

The NHS England medical director, Prof Sir Stephen Powis, warned patients this week that mass disruption was expected across the NHS as consultants move to providing just emergency cover. Photograph: Andrew Walters/Alamy

Tens of thousands of patients in England face surgeries being cancelled this summer with consultants striking for 96 hours, after Steve Barclay ruled out an improved pay offer.

Routine care across the NHS will come to a virtual standstill from 7am on Thursday as consultant doctors and hospital-based dentists begin their first industrial action in a decade for 48 hours until 7am on Saturday.