Elective operations from hip replacements to cataract surgery are set to be the worst affected by a five-day doctors’ strike – but cancer care could still be hit, The i Paper understands.

Tens of thousands of hospital operations and appointments are likely to be delayed or cancelled due to the latest round of walkouts, NHS chiefs have warned.

In a letter to health bosses last week, NHS England chief Jim Mackey asked for “laser focus” on priority areas, including emergency care, maternity services, cancer care and urgent elective surgery.

But it is understood that oncology tests, appointments and operations could still be cancelled or rescheduled due to the strikes at some NHS trusts, with appointments for diagnostic tests being the most at risk. New Feature

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