Impact of doctors strike will be felt into January

THE impact of resident doctor strikes on the NHS in England will continue "into January and beyond", experts have warned as health bosses called on the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) to enter mediation to end the dispute.

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting during the committee briefing

Health Secretary Wes Streeting apologised to patients as doctors began a five-day walkout in England in an ongoing row over jobs and pay.

The minister said the Government did "everything we could" to avoid the strike, including holding 11th-hour talks with BMA officials on Tuesday. He said health officials are working to minimise the impact of the strike, but warned patients will face disruption as the walkout comes at the "worst time" for the NHS.

Hospitals are dealing with rising flu cases and other winter illnesses.