Junior doctors across England have begun a four-day strike in a worsening dispute over pay, which is set to cause serious disruption to the National Health Service (NHS).
It has been estimated that some 350,000 appointments and operations have been rescheduled as a result of the walkout by members of the British Medical Association (BMA).
NHS England said staff will be asked to prioritise emergency and urgent care over some routine appointments and procedures to ensure safe care for those in life-threatening situations.
The health body said appointments and operations will only be cancelled “where unavoidable” and patients will be offered alternative dates as soon as possible….