A nursing union has offered to "press pause" on strike action - but only if the Health Secretary engages properly in pay talks.
Up to 100,000 NHS staff are expected to walk out on December 15 and 20, sparking a huge health service crisis, as they demand fair pay.
But Royal College of Nurses (RCN) general secretary Pat Cullen tonight said she is willing to call off the walkout if Tory Steve Barclay says he will "negotiate seriously".