23.07.13
Junior doctors under ‘intolerable pressure’ – BMA
Negotiations are to begin for a new contract for junior doctors, after feedback showed that some are being forced to work excessive and unsafe hours.
The British Medical Association (BMA) will enter formal talks with the NHS Employers organisation this autumn to develop a new contract for doctors and dentists in training.
The BMA’s Junior Doctor’s Council (JDC) commissioned Ipsos MORI to analyse junior doctors’ working conditions. Its research showed that many are still working excessive hours, and fear for patient safety and their own safety as a result. Understaffing increases this demand.
There is also a need to address unpredictable training rotations, the analysis showed, and problems with fixed annual leave. Some junior doctors are not given “decent notice” of where and when they will be working, the JDC said.
JDC chair Ben Molyneux said: “It is of great concern that junior doctors are being forced to work excessive hours and are often under intolerable pressure to ensure patient safety. There have been radical changes to the way we work since the current junior doctors contract was introduced 13 years ago.
“Two weeks before the annual August changeover of jobs, thousands of junior doctors still don’t know basic details such as what they will be working or how much they will be paid. Some don’t even know where they will be working in a fortnight.
“We will now work towards negotiating with NHS Employers for terms and conditions that address junior doctors’ concerns and recognise the vital role they play in the NHS.”
Dean Royles, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “We are pleased that the BMA’s JDC has agreed to proceed to full negotiations on the reform of the contract for doctors and dentists in training. It’s the right thing to do. Employers in the NHS believe that the current contract is no longer fit for purpose. A new contract will support them to provide high quality patient care and effective medical training within a safe working environment. NHS Employers is awaiting the decision of the four UK governments on a mandate to proceed to negotiations in the autumn.
“Given the recent Francis and Keogh reports highlighting issues around weekend staffing, we now need to press on with pace and purpose to ensure high quality care is increased at weekends. It won’t be easy but we are determined to put patient care at the heart of our negotiations.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]