We urge BMA members to seize the moment and end damaging dispute

Responding to news of a potential deal to end the dispute between the government and the British Medical Association over pay and conditions for resident doctors, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"This offer shows the government has been listening to genuine training concerns raised by the BMA and has come up with a constructive, sensible, and we hope, decisive solution.

"The NHS is coming under enormous operational pressure and the possibility of further industrial action next week is a huge worry, particularly as we’re facing a tidal wave of flu.

"Recent strikes have been extremely disruptive and distressing for patients, divisive for staff and they’ve come at a huge cost to the NHS.

"It would have been a very positive step and a huge relief if the BMA had removed the threat of an imminent walkout.

"We urge BMA members to seize the moment and bring this damaging dispute to an end.”