Pay dispute putting extra strain on hospitals, NHS leaders warn

Ambulance workers from the GMB union outside the Houses of Parliament (PA) (Picture: PA Wire)

The NHS will struggle to clear treatment backlogs and improve emergency care unless strikes by thousands of staff are brought to an end, health leaders have said.

The NHS Confederation, which represents NHS organisations, said the Government must “show initiative” to end the dispute or risk patients suffering even longer waiting times than at present.