The Latest Breaking News from NHS Confederation

Staff from more than 55 NHS trusts will take part in industrial action over two days

NHS England said patients should use services ‘wisely’ by going to NHS 111 online but continuing to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

The Prime Minister is holding rare weekend talks with health leaders - after senior medics said the health service was on a knife edge with many A&E units struggling to keep up with demand and trusts and ambulance services declaring critical incidents

PM meets health experts including Professor Sir Chris Whitty

But senior doctors say the rare meeting is unlikely to reverse the NHS' fortunes, blaming the crisis on 'years of inaction'

But Mr Sunak has been warned that the rare weekend meeting is unlikely to reverse the NHS’ fortunes, which have been blamed on 'years of inaction'

Downing Street said the Government has been ‘up front’ with the public about the pressure the NHS faces this winter.

NHS Federation chief executive Matthew Taylor urged the Government to talk to the unions demanding a pay rise.

NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor says the situation facing hospitals is ‘very difficult’