NHS nurses in England are today staging their second day of strike action as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.

Industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is taking place at 73 NHS trusts in England after nurses and ambulance workers staged their latest walk out yesterday.

Life-preserving treatment is still being providers with nurses in intensive and emergency care still expected to work but routine operations and check-ups may be affected.

Disruption is also expected for pre-booked treatment, including hip replacements or outpatient clinics.

GP practices will continue as normal.

NHS staff have suspended planned strikes in Wales and Scotland following improved pay offers from government.

NHS physiotherapy staff in England are scheduled to strike again on 9 February with a further ambulance walk-out on 10 February.

A three-day strike on 20-22 February was announced by ambulance workers in Wales yesterday on top of action already planned over the next two months.

The government has launched legislation to guarantee a minimum level of service during strikes which is currently being scrutinised in the House of Lords.