No Jr Doctors Strike Next Week

The British Medical Association has cancelled the junior doctors’ strike over concern about patient safety.

18:19 06 September 2016

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called off the junior doctors’ strike due to take place in England next week. The announcement came after the General Medical Council warned that they could face regulatory action if the walkout results in compromised care for patients.

 

However, BMA said that its fight over a new contract will continue and unless the government strikes a new deal, the strikes would continue in the future.

 

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the announcement but said that future strikes would bring “unprecedented misery” to patients.

 

Junior doctors leader Dr Ellen McCourt said: "Patient safety remains doctors' primary concern.

"While the BMA provided more than the required notice, we have taken this decision to ensure the NHS has the necessary time to prepare and to put in place contingency plans to protect patient safety.

 

"Our hospitals are chronically understaffed, our NHS is desperately underfunded - we have to listen to our colleagues when they tell us that they need more time to keep patients safe.

 

"Future action is still avoidable. The BMA has repeatedly said it will call off further action if the government puts a halt to plans to force junior doctors to work under a contract they have rejected because they don't believe it is good for the future of patient care or the profession."