BMA agrees junior doctor package

The BMA today reached an agreement with the Government on a new contract for junior doctors in England. More than a week of intensive and constructive talks followed a prolonged dispute, which has seen five periods of industrial action. BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana (pictured above) said: ‘I believe that what has been agreed today is a good deal for junior doctors and will ensure that they can continue to deliver high-quality care for patients.’ The key improvements for junior doctors are: Recognition of junior doctors’ work and contribution across every day of the week Proper consideration of and provision for equality in the contract, including the chance for accelerated training for those who take time out for caring responsibilities Improved flexible pay premia for specialties such as emergency medicine and psychiatry to address the current recruitment and retention crisis in these areas More rigorous oversight of the new guardian role to ensure safe working for junior doctors. The agreement forms the basis of a new contract which will be published by 31 May. Dr Malawana said: ‘Junior doctors have always wanted to agree a safe and fair contract, one that recognises and values the contribution junior doctors make to the NHS, addresses the recruitment and retention crisis in parts of the NHS and provides the basis for delivering a world-class health service. ‘I believe that what has been agreed today deliv...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news