Junior doctors fully withdraw labour

  Junior doctors in England are taking industrial action for the fifth time in their contract dispute with their Government. For the first time in the history of the NHS, it will involve the full withdrawal of labour between the hours of 8am and 5pm today and tomorrow. Cover will be provided by senior doctors and other healthcare staff over this period. As for previous industrial action, the BMA has agreed a joint protocol with NHS England to ensure patient safety in the event of a major unpredictable incident. The industrial action comes as health secretary Jeremy Hunt dismissed the BMA offer to call off the strikes if he would lift imposition and a cross-party proposal to pilot the junior doctor contract.  BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana said: ‘Today is an incredibly sad day for doctors, and the rest of society. 'These two days of industrial action mark one of the lowest points in the wonderful history of the NHS. ‘We deeply regret the disruption caused to patients, but we know experienced staff will be working hard to provide the emergency care they need and it is for the benefit of the same patients and people who need to use the NHS in future that we take this action. ‘We have made the Government a clear offer as to what it will take avert industrial action. 'We offered a simple choice — lift imposition and the strikes would be called off, but unfortunately the health secretary simply refuses to do that. ‘...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news