This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Majority of Trust chiefs back new junior contracts, HSJ claims
The survey calibrated the opinions of 25 acute and specialist trust leaders and was available for 24 hours to various workforces all over England.
The survey asked whether, in light of of the current high profile dispute over the contract, the government should continue seeking changes. The response showed 72 per cent of entrants said ‘yes’, while 28 per cent disagreed.
Of the 28 per cent who disagreed to the proposal to implement changes, many supported their reasoning by warning that it would have a negative impact on morale and relationships with trainees.
Furthermore, the survey demonstrated that a number of chief executives expressed concern about the handing of the dispute, pressures on junior doctors, and the lack of accurate information about the proposals.
In particular, when asked to comment on the contract debate the majority of chief executives were highly concerned about the way it was handled.
One comment said: “The system cannot continue as it is. Medicine is a profession and people need care seven days a week. Extra payments for weekend aren’t sustainable and we can now do most other things seven days a week.
“Doctors have to come to the party or there won’t be an NHS. Unfortunately they can cause chaos with industrial action but a professional wouldn’t strike if they put patient safety first; fair pay for fair work.”
While another chief executive said: “I think the current [contract] arrangements are outdated and unhelpful. However, there is so much confusion about what is proposed and how it will affect people that even juniors who will gain perceive that they need to fight to ‘save the NHS’.”
A further comment said: “I feel this is the right direction of travel but done in the wrong way. The junior doctors now feel under siege, undervalued and over worked - morale is low.
“Somehow this has become about money - the patient and care quality should be the discussion point.”
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