Junior doctors resume industrial action

  Thousands of junior doctors in England are taking a third period of industrial action today over the Government’s decision to impose an ‘unfair’ contract. Trainees started attending picket lines from 8am this morning as the 48-hour period of action got under way. Junior doctors are also providing training to parents in lifesaving skills and giving blood, and speaking to members of the public about the dispute at ‘meet the doctor’ events. BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana said: ‘We deeply regret disruption to patients, but the Government has left junior doctors with no choice. 'Ministers have made it clear they intend to impose a contract that is unfair on junior doctors and could undermine the delivery of patient care in the long term. ‘The current proposals will affect those already working the most unsocial hours, hitting key parts of the NHS with the greatest problems in attracting and keeping doctors — such as our accident and emergency departments. 'This action is wholly avoidable but the Government must get back around the table and negotiate with junior doctors, rather than simply impose a contract in which they have no confidence.’ Further scheduled dates for industrial action include 8am on Wednesday 6 April to 8am on Friday 8 April, and 8am Tuesday 26 April to 8am on Thursday 28 April. The BMA is also preparing to launch a judicial review into the Government’s decision to impose a...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news