Commenting on the suspension of strike action by junior doctors in England, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:
“The RCPE is pleased that the BMA and the UK Government reached an agreement meaning that industrial action has been suspended for the time being.
“We hope now that the return to meaningful negotiations can expedite a contract that is both fair to junior doctors and safe for patients, which is what our trainees have long been calling for.
“We must also recognise that while this is an important step forward, there is a significant level of work required by all parties, including the Colleges, to recognise the importance of our medical trainees. We must value the essential role that they play on day-to-day basis and acknowledge that they represent the future of the medical workforce. If we want to improve recruitment and retention in the medical workforce, we must start with our junior doctors.
“I would also like to express thanks to our consultant colleagues who put themselves forward to help when industrial action looked likely.”
ENDS
Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk
