WIREDGOV

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association commented on junior doctors taking strike action

“It is extremely disappointing that negotiations have failed to break the impasse between the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) over proposed contracts for junior doctors. Once again patients are being caught in the middle of this bitter dispute. 

The Patients Association understand the concerns of junior doctors. We know they are worried about the impact that the proposed contracts would have on patient safety, particularly around pressures to work excessive hours. Junior doctors provide important frontline care for patients, and we would be lost without their commitment, hard work and expertise. Any new contract must protect junior doctors, as well as patients, to ensure that we do not have over-worked and demoralised staff. 

The short term impact that this strike will cause however is very worrying. Cancelled operations and reduced access to services will directly affect patients, leaving many at risk. All parties in the dispute must remember that their primary duty is to patients. Thousands suffered when strikes were cancelled at the eleventh hour in December, as will many more if industrial action goes ahead. 

The Patients Association urges the Government and the BMA to continue to work towards finding an agreement that is in the best interests of patients, and that will avert this strike action that nobody wants.” 

Notes for Editors

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, and has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the Health and Social care system. 

For further information please contact the Patients Association on 020 8423 9111 alternatively you can call 07779 004898.

You can also visit us on our website at www.patients-association.org.uk

You can also view our All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Patient Safety at http://www.patientsassociation.org.uk/policy-campaigns/all-party-parliamentary-group-patient-safety/