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The dispute between the British Medical Association and the government in England has reached a new level as talks have once again broken down, leading to the announcement of another round of strikes. This fresh wave of strikes follows unsuccessful negotiations throughout the summer and early autumn, culminating in a five-day walkout by resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, starting on Friday 14 November. The upcoming strike marks the 13th time resident doctors have taken industrial action since the pay dispute began in March 2023, with significant disruption anticipated, especially in hospitals.
Resident doctors play a crucial role in the medical workforce, making up nearly half of all doctors and encompassing individuals at various stages of their careers, from recent graduates to those with a decade of experience. During the strike, resident doctors will be stepping away from both emergency and routine care, with senior doctors filling in to provide essential cover. Despite efforts by the NHS to maintain essential services during previous strikes, a considerable number of operations and appointments had to be postponed, emphasizing the potential impact of the upcoming walkout on patient care.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed disappointment in the breakdown of negotiations, highlighting the union’s efforts to reach a reasonable agreement with the government. While the government has stood firm on not negotiating pay increases, citing substantial raises of nearly 30% over the past three years, discussions have focused on career progression, working conditions, and additional expenses faced by resident doctors. The BMA argues that, adjusted for inflation, current pay levels are significantly lower than in 2008, and has raised concerns about job shortages when resident doctors transition to specialty training after their second year.
Health Secretary West Streeting has condemned the strike announcement as “preposterous,” accusing the BMA of hindering progress on improving working conditions and creating more specialty training roles for resident doctors. The secretary emphasized the potential harm to patients, healthcare staff, and the NHS as a whole, urging the BMA to reconsider their stance and return to negotiations. Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the breakdown in talks and the implications for patient care, particularly as the healthcare system prepares for challenges during the upcoming winter months
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