Patients to ‘pay price’ for ministers and unions failing to stop strikes, says NHS chief

Warning from head of NHS in England comes as minister accuses junior doctors of walking away from talks

The head of the NHS in England has said patients will pay the price" because ministers and health unions have failed to stop unprecedented strikes this month, with the health secretary, Steve Barclay, accusing junior doctors of walking away" from talks.

Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of the health service in England, said the significant disruption" was only going to get worse in July, with industrial action due to take place in seven in eight days in the middle of the month.