Commenting on the announcement that strike action by junior doctors in England is likely to go ahead, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:
"The RCPE is extremely disappointed to learn that negotiations on the new junior contract in England have not reached a successful conclusion, meaning that industrial action looks likely to take place later this month.
"While the RCPE is not involved in the negotiations, we understand and continue to share the concerns of many junior doctors with the proposed new contract and are sure this decision has not been taken lightly.
"The College sincerely hopes that urgent and meaningful progress can be made in order to avoid the upcoming industrial action and urges all sides involved to find another way forward.
"The role that junior doctors play in our NHS is invaluable and they deserve a contract that is fair to them and the work that they do both now and in the future."
ENDS
Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk
