Patients Association renews its call for talks ahead of Junior doctors’ strikes

5 May 2016 09:42 AM

Ahead of the threat of further industrial action by junior doctors, the Patients Association renews its call for an end to the uncertainty that these strikes are causing for patients and the public. Overall around 25,000 patients are thought to have had their operations and appointments cancelled as a consequence of the ongoing strike action. 

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said:

“Our only concern must be the provision of high quality safe care. Striking is not the answer. Junior doctors provide a public service: as a result, the ongoing dispute is funded by the taxpayers. 

“Both sides seem to be digging in their heels. On behalf of the patients of this country, we plead with the Government and the BMA at this late stage to talk and reach an amicable solution. They must now put aside their past stances and get together round the table to find a way forward in order to end the uncertainty that patients are facing. 

“An agreement must be found to prevent still further disruption for patients and raise the morale of hard-working junior doctors. We remain unconvinced about the imposition of a contract. We don’t feel such action is helpful in resolving this ongoing dispute. 

“Whilst we are reassured that consultants have offered to cover emergency care, those consultants will be doing so out of goodwill. Whilst we appreciate their commitment to the patient, we are mindful that consultants have their own jobs to perform. 

“There is now an overriding duty on both sides of this dispute to find a lasting solution, and the Patient’s Association needs to see positive action.”

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