BMA suspends junior doctor strikes

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called off the 48 hour junior doctor strike that was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26 January.

The decision has arrived as talks between the doctors’ union and the government continue, with the aim of reaching an agreement regarding the much disputed junior doctor contract.

The BMA believe the government’s decision to impose a seven-day service will risk doctors being overworked and could put patient safety at risk, whilst the government maintains such changes are necessary to meet the needs of the health service.

The BMA has warned the cancelled industrial action does not mean a deal had been met.

A planned strike is also due to take place on Wednesday 10 February, and could still go ahead if a negotiation is still not reached.

Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA junior doctor committee, said: "The BMA's aim has always been to deliver a safe, fair junior doctor contract through negotiated agreement.

"Following junior doctors' clear message to the government during last week's action, our focus is now on building on early progress made in the current set of talks.

"On this basis, the BMA has today taken the decision to suspend the industrial action planned for 26 to 28 January, thereby giving trusts as much notice as possible so as to avoid disruption to patients.

"It is important to be clear, however, that differences still exist between the BMA and the government on key areas, including the protection of patient safety and doctor's working lives, and the recognition of unsocial hours. Significant, concrete progress will need to be made if future action, currently planned for 10 February, is to be averted."

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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