Study shows student dismay over contract

Nearly three-quarters of medical students admit they are more likely to pursue their careers outside the NHS because of dismay with the junior doctors’ contract. A survey of medical students in England carried out by the BMA that received more than 1,000 responses shows the shocking extent to which many feel disillusioned with the prospect of having to work under an imposed contract. A total of 74.5 per cent said they were more likely to pursue a career outside the NHS, with 82.9 per cent saying they were more likely to leave the UK to pursue medicine; 82.4 per cent of respondents said the contract and EIA (equality impact assessment) made them less likely to pursue a career in the NHS in England upon graduating; 72 per cent admitted they were more likely to look for a job in the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish NHS. BMA medical students committee co-chair Harrison Carter (pictured) said the findings painted an alarming and disheartening picture of the views of the next generation of doctors in England. He added: ‘This feedback reveals the extent to which many medical students in England are deeply concerned about the Government’s plans to impose a new contract on new junior doctors. ‘The fact that such large numbers are considering leaving the NHS in England and in some cases the NHS and the UK altogether, shows how far ministers have eroded the trust of those wanting to pursue a career in medicine.’   Enthusiasm curbed The survey, condu...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news