Next week’s junior doctors’ strike is due to go ahead after talks with the government have failed to reach a solution.
The walk out on 10 February 2016 was due to be a full walk out but union leaders say medics will provide emergency cover to minimise disruption, which should be a huge relief to hospitals.
The doctors’ strike is now planned to last 24 hours rather than from the briefer 08:00 to 17:00 as was originally planned.
A full walk-out has never happened in the history of the NHS and would have caused huge disruption to services across the country.
The first walk out by junior doctors took place on 12 January which resulted in 1 in 10 non-emergency operations being cancelled.
Pryers are pleased that the unions have decided against the full walk out, which would cause massive disruption to patients and put patient safety at further risk. However, it is still disappointing that talks keep failing without a solution.
It seems that the main issue holding up any resolution is the government’s insistence on cutting the amount of extra pay doctors receive for working Saturdays.
BMA junior doctor leader Dr Johann Malawana said despite some “good progress” the union had been left no choice but to announced the stoppage would take place.
“What we are asking for is fair and affordable recognition of unsocial hours”, added Dr Malawana.
