It was disappointing to see Junior Doctors go on strike this week. I always believed that talking was better than striking, which serves no purpose at all.
I and the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, know Junior Doctors already work seven days a week, playing a vital role in our NHS and doing a fantastic job delivering excellent care for patients.
The Government’s reforms are intended to improve patient safety and properly reward – not penalise – NHS staff, ensuring safer working hours and delivering a truly seven-day health service. I know that’s what doctors want too, so it is extremely disappointing that the BMA chose to take industrial action which helps no-one.
It is my understanding that there had been good progress in talks, resolving 15 of the 16 issues put forward by the union – everything apart from weekend pay. The BMA and Government have agreed to go back to negotiations on the junior doctors’ contracts with ACAS and I hope that good progress can be made so that differences can be resolved through talks – not strikes.
This is absolutely not a cost-cutting exercise and these changes will be cost neutral. No Junior Doctor working legal hours will have their pay cut and it is irresponsible of the BMA to claim otherwise. The Health Secretary has guaranteed that this new contract will not impose longer hours for Junior Doctors.
To view details of the Government’s firm offer to Junior Doctors, visit:
www.nhsemployers.org/juniordoctors
If of course you would like to speak to me about anything please either send me an e-mail at [email protected] or give me a call on 01527 591334. As ever you can also keep up to date with my whereabouts on Twitter and on Facebook.
Best wishes
Karen