We note the recent article by Sir Bruce Keogh. We would ask him, however to exert his significant influence at Government level to withdraw the imposition of the contract. This will only be resolved satisfactorily by continued discussion. The NHS faces bigger challenges at the current time.
Junior doctors are hard-working, diligent and caring professionals whose primary focus is, and will continue to be, the care of patients. The current impasse and strength of feeling reflects the many pressures involved in delivering care. The recent publication of the Equality Impact Assessment confirmed that female doctors will be knowingly disadvantaged by the new contract. This only serves to worsen morale and potentially will have a negative impact on several generations of doctors.
Our feedback suggests none wish to strike but in the face of refusal by the Secretary of State to return to the negotiating table they feel devalued and backed into a corner. The Medical Director of the NHS could usefully apply his skill and position to encourage both sides to resume negotiations and avert the day time withdrawal of junior doctor cover later this month. Senior doctors have confirmed their commitment to ensuring patient safety is paramount during any strike. The strike can be avoided if NHS England, the Government and the BMA restart their difficult discussions with immediate effect.
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has written to the House of Commons Health Select Committee requesting they undertake an urgent review into the escalating crisis in the NHS in England relating to the new junior doctors’ contract. Given the escalation of this dispute, we believe that such an independent intervention is essential.
The President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh [1], Professor Derek Bell, said:
"This situation must be resolved to recruit and retain the world class workforce required to deliver the high quality care patients expect from the NHS. Both parties have to return to the negotiating table lest Don Berwick's important warning about alienating a generation of doctors becomes reality [2]. Doctors have professional obligations but their employers also have a duty of care to them and an absolute responsibility to secure the long term future of the NHS and healthcare for the safety of patients in the UK."
The College also notes the recent intervention by the Chair of the GMC and awaits the publication of the new guidance on industrial action.
ENDS
Contact: Lindsay Paterson, RCPE – l.paterson@rcpe.ac.uk, 0131 247 3673
Notes to Editors
