Unsurprisingly following a vote on 19 November 2015, 98% of junior doctors voted in favour of strike action in response to the new contracts offered by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
The British Medical Association asked 37,700 members to take part in the vote. 76% of those contacted responded in an unequivocal fashion that strike action was the only way forwards.
There have been three dates currently set for industrial action on 1 December 2015, 8 December 2015 and 16 December 2015.
The impact of these strikes could be far ranging on the public’s ability to access care and treatment. However, when you look closely it is clear to see that doctors have given a great deal of thought to ensure that a level of care is still available.
During the first walk out period on 1 December 2015, junior doctors will still be on hand to ensure emergency care is still provided. On 8 and 16 December 2015, consultants and staff doctors will fill the holes left by junior doctors.
Junior doctors by and large staff the ‘unsociable hours’ of hospital work; late nights and weekends. It is these periods which have been reduced by the new contracts and it is this pay which will have the most impact on a junior doctor’s salary.
Doctors are of course well paid, but they make monumental decisions which have far reaching impacts on patients and already work hours that to most would seem unnatural. It seems unfair not to reward those who work extra shifts to ensure patient safety.
While a strike may not seem the most constructive way to get a message across, it seems that all other protests and attempts have been unsuccessful so strike action was necessary.
Due to the plans in place during the strike, those with medical emergencies will still be seen. If you have a follow up appointment this may just take slightly longer.
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