THE BMAs decision to ballot members over potential industrial action is a reflection of the anger felt by thousands of junior doctors towards the Governments plans to impose a new contract.
Doctors across Bolton believe the proposed contract is unsafe for patients, unfair for doctors and will undermine the future of the NHS.
It will remove vital protections on safe working patterns, devalue evening and weekend work, and could have a real impact on the quality of patient care if we return to the days of over-exhausted junior doctors working dangerously long hours.
Around 3,500 doctors applied for a certificate to work abroad in just 10 days following the imposition of the new contract. This should serve as a serious wake-up call. If the Government force this contract through, there is a real risk that junior doctors will speak with their feet which would be a disaster for the NHS, and for patients.
We have been clear. Junior doctors are not prepared to agree contract changes that risk patient safety and doctors’ wellbeing. No doctor takes the possibility of industrial action lightly, but we feel the government has left us with little option. We can only deliver a fair and safe contract if the government genuinely negotiates without a constant threat of imposition.
Dr Johann Malawana
BMA Junior Doctor Committee chair
British Medical Association
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