The Whittington and the Royal Free hospital had been preparing to cancel some appointments

The British Medical Association (BMA) called off the five-day junior doctor strike for September 12, although it still has strikes planned for October, November and December.

In a statement on their website, the BMA said they were responding to concerns from NHS England that the service could not cope with the notice that had been given for the industrial action.

The BMA wrote: “Our hospitals are chronically under staffed [...] We have to listen to our colleagues when they tell us that they need more time to keep patients safe. We have also listened to the concerns of working doctors, patient groups and the public.”

The Whittington Hospital had been planning to draft in additional consultants, specialist nurses and pharmacy staff in the emergency department to minimise waiting times.

The Royal Free and The Whittington said it would be re-scheduling appointments.