This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Hunt agrees to use ACAS to reopen talks with BMA
Hunt has been in an ongoing dispute with the BMA over imposed junior doctors contracts, which has resulted in junior doctors agreeing to strike action in December.
In a letter to Dr Mark Porter, BMA Council Chair, Hunt said that he has been willing to talk without preconditions and is ‘disappointed by the BMA’s continued refusal to take up that offer’.
The Health Secretary stressed that the Department of Health had already been through one independent process with the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB), but, in the interest of patient safety, he said would be happy for officials and NHS Employers to commence talks using ACAS conciliation services.
Having previously refused these conditions, Hunt wrote that patient safety was his ‘absolute priority’ and that ‘any talks are better than strikes’.
Concluding the letter, Hunt urged the BMA to reconsider strike action, which he described as ‘extreme’, claiming it will ‘at best disrupt patient care and at worst cause serious harm to patients’.
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive, NHS Employers said: “Employers across the NHS will welcome a return to discussions with the BMA, working with ACAS conciliation services. I remain hopeful that through our joint endeavours we can end this dispute, and modernise the contracts for doctors whilst also addressing their concerns."
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