NHS patients will be sent to private hospitals for treatment this week as nurses around the country go on strike amid calls for a fair pay rise.
Private health providers are reportedly in discussion with hospitals on a list of 76 NHS sites that will be affected by industrial action and may carry out procedures in a bid to ease backlogs.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will stage its first-ever national walkout on December 15 and 20 from 8am to 8pm.