The BMA has announced that junior doctors have voted against the junior doctor contract in England (58% against to 42% in favour).
In a joint response, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and Dr Katherine Walesby, Chair of its Trainees’ Committee, said:
“While it is disappointing that negotiations have not reached a successful conclusion, we must recognise that progress was made when all parties returned to talks earlier this year. We hope that cooperation can continue to enable an urgent resolution without further delay or industrial action.
“We know that many trainees had concerns that they felt hadn’t been addressed by the proposed junior contract.
“To address these, we must have a junior contract that values the essential role that trainees play in our NHS, and one that is fair to all, including those working less than full time, those taking time out to study, and those working in all medical specialities, including undertaking research and other academic pursuits.
“Given the current political climate and the uncertainty that exists in relation to Europe, we must ensure that trainees are protected as EU regulations are negotiated, for example in relation to working hours.
“Unless these issues are addressed now, future recruitment and retention in the NHS will suffer to the detriment of patient care.”
ENDS
Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)
