Next week’s junior doctors’ strike has been suspended by the British Medical Association’s junior doctor committee (BMA JDC).
The association decided to halt the action while conciliation talks between the BMA, NHS Employers and the Department of Health continue.
Next week’s junior doctors’ strike has been suspended by the British Medical Association’s junior doctor committee (BMA JDC).
The association decided to halt the action while conciliation talks between the BMA, NHS Employers and the Department of Health continue.
Johann Malawana, chair of BMA JDC said: “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.”
The next proposed strike was a 48-hour one starting on 26 January, with tens of thousands of trainees in England set to provide emergency care-only.
In response, Rob Webster, chief executive of NHS Confederation – which represents 85% of NHS providers and commissioners – said: “Everyone in the NHS will welcome the news that the planned action by junior doctors has been suspended after progress in talks between the BMA and NHS Employers. I would like to thank the BMA leadership, particularly for the early notification and making sure there is sufficient time for our members to plan services for patients in the coming weeks.”
Similarly, a Department of Health spokesperson added: “The strike that took place last week was unnecessary while talks are ongoing, so it’s extremely welcome news that the BMA has suspended next week’s action, though as it stands emergency care will still be withdrawn in February.
“In the end, the government and junior doctors want to do the same thing by improving patient care at weekends – and we look forward to further constructive discussions.”
