This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/society/live/2015/oct/17/junior-doctors-protest-against-contract-proposals-live
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Thousands rally in London to protest junior doctor contract - as it happened | Thousands rally in London to protest junior doctor contract - as it happened |
| (6 days later) | |
| 5.17pm BST | 5.17pm BST |
| 17:17 | 17:17 |
| We’re wrapping up this live blog now, many thanks for so many contributions, on and offline. | We’re wrapping up this live blog now, many thanks for so many contributions, on and offline. |
| Here’s Denis Campbell’s full story from today’s march. | Here’s Denis Campbell’s full story from today’s march. |
| Related: Leader of NHS junior doctors urges Jeremy Hunt to reopen negotiations | Related: Leader of NHS junior doctors urges Jeremy Hunt to reopen negotiations |
| 5.15pm BST | 5.15pm BST |
| 17:15 | 17:15 |
| Denis Campbell | Denis Campbell |
| Health policy editor Denis Campbell, at the junior doctors demonstration in central London, has just filed this quick analysis of today’s event. What has today’s demo achieved? It’s hard to say. But the impressive attendance, the fact that the marchers are truly representative of junior doctors not BMA dupes of Jeremy Hunt’s imagination and the support for them from the medical profession as a whole, as well as widespread media and public support, all mark this out as a dispute that is now very tricky for ministers to defuse. | Health policy editor Denis Campbell, at the junior doctors demonstration in central London, has just filed this quick analysis of today’s event. What has today’s demo achieved? It’s hard to say. But the impressive attendance, the fact that the marchers are truly representative of junior doctors not BMA dupes of Jeremy Hunt’s imagination and the support for them from the medical profession as a whole, as well as widespread media and public support, all mark this out as a dispute that is now very tricky for ministers to defuse. |
| That said, Hunt is playing an ever-harder version of hardball, insisting that junior doctors are in effect having the wool pulled over their eyes by the scheming BMA - a tactic of dubious value - and still insisting that 11,000 people a year die when they shouldn’t just because they were admitted to hospital at the weekend, even though the research paper he cites as the source of that claim specifically does not say that. If anyone is misrepresenting key facts, it’s him. | That said, Hunt is playing an ever-harder version of hardball, insisting that junior doctors are in effect having the wool pulled over their eyes by the scheming BMA - a tactic of dubious value - and still insisting that 11,000 people a year die when they shouldn’t just because they were admitted to hospital at the weekend, even though the research paper he cites as the source of that claim specifically does not say that. If anyone is misrepresenting key facts, it’s him. |
| A Downing Street spokeswoman told me on Friday afternoon that David Cameron is still completely happy with his health secretary’s handling of the dispute and that they remain as one over the government’s offer to England’s 45,000 junior doctors. | A Downing Street spokeswoman told me on Friday afternoon that David Cameron is still completely happy with his health secretary’s handling of the dispute and that they remain as one over the government’s offer to England’s 45,000 junior doctors. |
| The BMA’s move towards holding the ballot for industrial action they first decided upon three weeks ago - details of when it will be held will emerge in the next few days - is likely to bind Cameron and Hunt together, at least publicly. | The BMA’s move towards holding the ballot for industrial action they first decided upon three weeks ago - details of when it will be held will emerge in the next few days - is likely to bind Cameron and Hunt together, at least publicly. |
| While the BMA insists that it has been backed into a corner by Hunt - in effect forced to resort to the ballot because their pleas for an agreed settlement have fallen on deaf ears - the reality of them taking industrial action, which is likely to involve action short of a strike, like a work to rule, could yet prove their undoing. | While the BMA insists that it has been backed into a corner by Hunt - in effect forced to resort to the ballot because their pleas for an agreed settlement have fallen on deaf ears - the reality of them taking industrial action, which is likely to involve action short of a strike, like a work to rule, could yet prove their undoing. |
| Unlike members of other trade unions like Tube train drivers, it’s very hard for doctors to actually strike, as their patients depend on them. | Unlike members of other trade unions like Tube train drivers, it’s very hard for doctors to actually strike, as their patients depend on them. |
| Indeed, some very senior doctors fear that taking action will hand the initiative back to Hunt, who is currently very much on the defensive. | Indeed, some very senior doctors fear that taking action will hand the initiative back to Hunt, who is currently very much on the defensive. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.17pm BST | at 5.17pm BST |
| 5.09pm BST | 5.09pm BST |
| 17:09 | 17:09 |
| Summary | Summary |
| 4.54pm BST | 4.54pm BST |
| 16:54 | 16:54 |
| The Dickson family have been marching in the place of their junior doctor daughter Dr Karen Dickson, who is working this weekend at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. | The Dickson family have been marching in the place of their junior doctor daughter Dr Karen Dickson, who is working this weekend at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. |
| Keith and Elana Dickson, along with their daughter Ella, travelled to London for the protest after Dr Dickson was unable to attend in person. | Keith and Elana Dickson, along with their daughter Ella, travelled to London for the protest after Dr Dickson was unable to attend in person. |
| “She’s concerned that the new contract isn’t safe, for doctors and patients, and that it is part of a bigger plan to incrementally destroy the NHS,” Ella told the Guardian. | “She’s concerned that the new contract isn’t safe, for doctors and patients, and that it is part of a bigger plan to incrementally destroy the NHS,” Ella told the Guardian. |
| 4.50pm BST | 4.50pm BST |
| 16:50 | 16:50 |
| It’s not just junior doctors on the march today, there are also many GPs and nurses marching in solidarity, or showing support online, despite not being directly affected by the contract. | It’s not just junior doctors on the march today, there are also many GPs and nurses marching in solidarity, or showing support online, despite not being directly affected by the contract. |
| I am a GP. I care deeply about our #NHS. I was a #juniordoctor. I stand with them now. #notsafenotfair #istandwithjohann #juniorcontract | I am a GP. I care deeply about our #NHS. I was a #juniordoctor. I stand with them now. #notsafenotfair #istandwithjohann #juniorcontract |
| As specialist nurse, I support today's junior doctor protest #saveourNHS #juniorcontract #weneedtotalkaboutjeremy #notsafenotfair | As specialist nurse, I support today's junior doctor protest #saveourNHS #juniorcontract #weneedtotalkaboutjeremy #notsafenotfair |
| I'm a GP who was once a junior doctor. Look at this crowd! Where would the NHS be without them? #juniorcontract | I'm a GP who was once a junior doctor. Look at this crowd! Where would the NHS be without them? #juniorcontract |
| Good luck to the Doctors protesting today. This worn out old nurse supports you 100%. #juniorcontract #juniordoctors | Good luck to the Doctors protesting today. This worn out old nurse supports you 100%. #juniorcontract #juniordoctors |
| 4.45pm BST | 4.45pm BST |
| 16:45 | 16:45 |
| Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston criticises Hunt's approach | Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston criticises Hunt's approach |
| Conservative MP and former GP Sarah Wollaston has been tweeting about the protest today, having already expressed support for the junior doctors and calling for a re-think by the Department of Health in a September Telegraph article. | Conservative MP and former GP Sarah Wollaston has been tweeting about the protest today, having already expressed support for the junior doctors and calling for a re-think by the Department of Health in a September Telegraph article. |
| 2/3 simply won't wash to claim 'most docs will be better off' without clarifying which will be far worse off if total pay envelope the same | 2/3 simply won't wash to claim 'most docs will be better off' without clarifying which will be far worse off if total pay envelope the same |
| 3/3 failure of DH to appreciate/address wider causes of #juniordoctors low morale + obfuscated communication. Really need to start again | 3/3 failure of DH to appreciate/address wider causes of #juniordoctors low morale + obfuscated communication. Really need to start again |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.55pm BST | at 4.55pm BST |
| 4.37pm BST | 4.37pm BST |
| 16:37 | 16:37 |
| Roshana Mehdian, a 29-year-old junior doctor, addressed the crowd through a loudspeaker as they sat down on Whitehall during the march. | Roshana Mehdian, a 29-year-old junior doctor, addressed the crowd through a loudspeaker as they sat down on Whitehall during the march. |
| She said there were 20,000 people on the march and started a chant of “Where are you Jeremy?”. | She said there were 20,000 people on the march and started a chant of “Where are you Jeremy?”. |
| 20000 people asking 'where are you Jeremy?' #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/h86uHgz2Tm | 20000 people asking 'where are you Jeremy?' #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/h86uHgz2Tm |
| “We are protesting against an unfair and unsafe contract and this is showing our strength of feeling,” she told the Press Association. | “We are protesting against an unfair and unsafe contract and this is showing our strength of feeling,” she told the Press Association. |
| “We are here to show Jeremy Hunt that we will not accept that contract.” | “We are here to show Jeremy Hunt that we will not accept that contract.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.47pm BST | at 4.47pm BST |
| 4.18pm BST | 4.18pm BST |
| 16:18 | 16:18 |
| The march is on the move now towards Westminster, where doctors and supporters will eventually assemble in Parliament Square. | The march is on the move now towards Westminster, where doctors and supporters will eventually assemble in Parliament Square. |
| Doctors march on Westminster #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/aOh9ezoYFx | Doctors march on Westminster #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/aOh9ezoYFx |
| And off we march... #juniorcontract #saveourNHS #notfairnotsafe pic.twitter.com/sIWSqdWDhj | And off we march... #juniorcontract #saveourNHS #notfairnotsafe pic.twitter.com/sIWSqdWDhj |
| On foot and on wheels the protest over the #juniorcontract is on the move pic.twitter.com/AbozQUaSVA | On foot and on wheels the protest over the #juniorcontract is on the move pic.twitter.com/AbozQUaSVA |
| 4.13pm BST | 4.13pm BST |
| 16:13 | 16:13 |
| It’s fair to say there’s unlikely to be any aggravation for police at this particular demonstration. | It’s fair to say there’s unlikely to be any aggravation for police at this particular demonstration. |
| "This is the most polite gathering of people ever" says @metpoliceuk officer #juniorprotest #juniorcontract | "This is the most polite gathering of people ever" says @metpoliceuk officer #juniorprotest #juniorcontract |
| 4.09pm BST | 4.09pm BST |
| 16:09 | 16:09 |
| 3.56pm BST | 3.56pm BST |
| 15:56 | 15:56 |
| Harry Leslie Smith: NHS is UK's greatest achievement | Harry Leslie Smith: NHS is UK's greatest achievement |
| Harry Leslie Smith, the 92-year-old NHS activist, is speaking at the rally in Waterloo Place now. | Harry Leslie Smith, the 92-year-old NHS activist, is speaking at the rally in Waterloo Place now. |
| The NHS is “Britain’s greatest achievement”, he said, because it has freed millions from the worry of having to pay if they fell sick. | The NHS is “Britain’s greatest achievement”, he said, because it has freed millions from the worry of having to pay if they fell sick. |
| Our @Harryslaststand on stage telling us of pre #NHS times #SaveOurNHS #notsafenotfair #juniorcontracts pic.twitter.com/ntmP1GuTIi | Our @Harryslaststand on stage telling us of pre #NHS times #SaveOurNHS #notsafenotfair #juniorcontracts pic.twitter.com/ntmP1GuTIi |
| An honour to see @Harryslaststand standing with junior doctors against the #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/WO7RvhJzxa | An honour to see @Harryslaststand standing with junior doctors against the #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/WO7RvhJzxa |
| The pensioner told the crowd about his life as a child before the creation of the NHS, when his mother could not afford medical treatment and his sister died in a workhouse infirmary. | The pensioner told the crowd about his life as a child before the creation of the NHS, when his mother could not afford medical treatment and his sister died in a workhouse infirmary. |
| Hero #juniorcontract @Harryslaststand pic.twitter.com/JdQmQ2Rcll | Hero #juniorcontract @Harryslaststand pic.twitter.com/JdQmQ2Rcll |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.02pm BST | at 4.02pm BST |
| 3.51pm BST | 3.51pm BST |
| 15:51 | 15:51 |
| The protest has a distinctly musical flavour (those multi-talented doctors) with chants including “there’s only one Nye Bevan”. | The protest has a distinctly musical flavour (those multi-talented doctors) with chants including “there’s only one Nye Bevan”. |
| #juniordoctors assembling in Waterloo Place, London #notsafenotfair #juniorcontract #saveourNHS #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/ICKGxiG7Sv | #juniordoctors assembling in Waterloo Place, London #notsafenotfair #juniorcontract #saveourNHS #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/ICKGxiG7Sv |
| Earlier in the march, protesters were treated to a rendition of a song that riffs Jessie J’s song Price Tag - with the refrain “it’s not about the money, money, money”. | Earlier in the march, protesters were treated to a rendition of a song that riffs Jessie J’s song Price Tag - with the refrain “it’s not about the money, money, money”. |
| #juniorprotest #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe amazing scenes pic.twitter.com/T0GP23xbZw | #juniorprotest #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe amazing scenes pic.twitter.com/T0GP23xbZw |
| 3.46pm BST | 3.46pm BST |
| 15:46 | 15:46 |
| The crowd has also been hearing from TV doctor Ranj Singh, a 36-year-old paediatrician who has appeared on Good Morning Britain and CBeebies. | The crowd has also been hearing from TV doctor Ranj Singh, a 36-year-old paediatrician who has appeared on Good Morning Britain and CBeebies. |
| On the new contract he said: “They’re not fair and they’re not safe. For anybody involved - that’s patients and staff.” | On the new contract he said: “They’re not fair and they’re not safe. For anybody involved - that’s patients and staff.” |
| He said there has to be a willingness to discuss options, adding: “We want what is best for our patients.” | He said there has to be a willingness to discuss options, adding: “We want what is best for our patients.” |
| Amazing speech by @DrRanj at the #juniordoctors protest! pic.twitter.com/j4pg9C0e9B | Amazing speech by @DrRanj at the #juniordoctors protest! pic.twitter.com/j4pg9C0e9B |
| 3.41pm BST | 3.41pm BST |
| 15:41 | 15:41 |
| Peter Stefanovic, a partner in the clinical negligence department at Simpson Millar solicitors, has given a rousing speech to the assembled crowd in London. | Peter Stefanovic, a partner in the clinical negligence department at Simpson Millar solicitors, has given a rousing speech to the assembled crowd in London. |
| "Everybody in the UK should be here standing shoulder to shoulder with you today" - Peter Stefanovic, med negligence lawyer #notfairnotsafe | "Everybody in the UK should be here standing shoulder to shoulder with you today" - Peter Stefanovic, med negligence lawyer #notfairnotsafe |
| Asked about the new contract, he told the Press Association: | Asked about the new contract, he told the Press Association: |
| It’s an absolute public disgrace. An absolute public disgrace. The injustice staggers the imagination. | It’s an absolute public disgrace. An absolute public disgrace. The injustice staggers the imagination. |
| I am quite frankly astonished that I’m the only advocate that has come forward to fight for the junior doctors. | I am quite frankly astonished that I’m the only advocate that has come forward to fight for the junior doctors. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.42pm BST | at 3.42pm BST |
| 3.21pm BST | 3.21pm BST |
| 15:21 | 15:21 |
| This latest aerial photograph shows the huge numbers attending the London protest in Waterloo Place. Demonstrators will be leaving shortly for a march to Parliament. | This latest aerial photograph shows the huge numbers attending the London protest in Waterloo Place. Demonstrators will be leaving shortly for a march to Parliament. |
| Wow! #juniorcontract #todaywemarch #notfairnotsafe @UKWENTs @TheBMA @jessicaelgot pic.twitter.com/R0rtINElmf | Wow! #juniorcontract #todaywemarch #notfairnotsafe @UKWENTs @TheBMA @jessicaelgot pic.twitter.com/R0rtINElmf |
| 3.19pm BST | 3.19pm BST |
| 15:19 | 15:19 |
| Half of Britons believe weekend hospital care puts them in danger | Half of Britons believe weekend hospital care puts them in danger |
| Half of British adults believe they would be in greater danger if they were admitted to hospital at the weekend, a new Observer/Opinium poll says. | Half of British adults believe they would be in greater danger if they were admitted to hospital at the weekend, a new Observer/Opinium poll says. |
| The research, designed to measure the impact of Jeremy Hunt’s assertion that patients admitted to hospital at weekends were 15% more likely to die, found a significant numbers of patients had delayed trips to the doctors on a Saturday and Sunday. | The research, designed to measure the impact of Jeremy Hunt’s assertion that patients admitted to hospital at weekends were 15% more likely to die, found a significant numbers of patients had delayed trips to the doctors on a Saturday and Sunday. |
| The figures showed that 35% of adults have delayed seeking medical help at the weekend. Some put off visiting a doctor because their illnesses were minor, but 21% delayed their visit because they feared the quality of care would be lower. | The figures showed that 35% of adults have delayed seeking medical help at the weekend. Some put off visiting a doctor because their illnesses were minor, but 21% delayed their visit because they feared the quality of care would be lower. |
| Here’s the full piece: | Here’s the full piece: |
| Related: Half of Britons believe weekend hospital admissions 'more dangerous' | Related: Half of Britons believe weekend hospital admissions 'more dangerous' |
| Would you delay going to hospital over a weekend? Let us know in the comments. | Would you delay going to hospital over a weekend? Let us know in the comments. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.42pm BST | at 3.42pm BST |
| 3.05pm BST | 3.05pm BST |
| 15:05 | 15:05 |
| Here are some more of the inventive banners being carried by junior doctors and their supporters at the rally this afternoon. | Here are some more of the inventive banners being carried by junior doctors and their supporters at the rally this afternoon. |
| Best #juniorcontact protest placard? #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/KGZ8K2EDDi | Best #juniorcontact protest placard? #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/KGZ8K2EDDi |
| @jessicaelgot GP on my way to support trainee wife, friends and colleagues #juniorcontract #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/xHEY5XsKOT | @jessicaelgot GP on my way to support trainee wife, friends and colleagues #juniorcontract #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/xHEY5XsKOT |
| #juniorcontract #NHS all those supporting who can't be here pic.twitter.com/4D2HeDZIgM | #juniorcontract #NHS all those supporting who can't be here pic.twitter.com/4D2HeDZIgM |
| .@Johan malawana @jessicaelgot @TheBMA #savetheNHS #juniorcontracts #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/gh5Po96n48 | .@Johan malawana @jessicaelgot @TheBMA #savetheNHS #juniorcontracts #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/gh5Po96n48 |
| @jessicaelgot @guardian @_beardy_ @HP_izzle best yet pic.twitter.com/KYDe5NTT5X | @jessicaelgot @guardian @_beardy_ @HP_izzle best yet pic.twitter.com/KYDe5NTT5X |
| Now off to join Doctors & NHS workers taking on the Tories awful plans for our NHS! Including ace home-made banners! pic.twitter.com/OGkzkIFW49 | Now off to join Doctors & NHS workers taking on the Tories awful plans for our NHS! Including ace home-made banners! pic.twitter.com/OGkzkIFW49 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.09pm BST | at 3.09pm BST |
| 2.51pm BST | 2.51pm BST |
| 14:51 | 14:51 |
| Dr Na’eem Ahmed, a radiology specialty registrar, has written in to the Guardian about why he supports the march, calling the contract changes “anti-aspiration”. | Dr Na’eem Ahmed, a radiology specialty registrar, has written in to the Guardian about why he supports the march, calling the contract changes “anti-aspiration”. |
| Our letter in the @TheLancet with stalwarts of the #NHS will tell you that is about more than pay http://t.co/EZUJOyiPff #juniorcontract | Our letter in the @TheLancet with stalwarts of the #NHS will tell you that is about more than pay http://t.co/EZUJOyiPff #juniorcontract |
| He writes: | He writes: |
| Much of the recent coverage of the proposed changes to the junior doctor contract has quite rightly focused on the immediate effects on salary, hours worked and its potential implications on patient care. | Much of the recent coverage of the proposed changes to the junior doctor contract has quite rightly focused on the immediate effects on salary, hours worked and its potential implications on patient care. |
| Yet more worryingly, on the background of a growing inequality gap, the rising costs of education and training coupled with the proposed contract changes mean that there now is a very real prospect that medicine becomes a career for the privileged few. | Yet more worryingly, on the background of a growing inequality gap, the rising costs of education and training coupled with the proposed contract changes mean that there now is a very real prospect that medicine becomes a career for the privileged few. |
| A review by the General Medical Council in 2013 found in a survey of 39 000 doctors in training only 6.3% came from the most deprived areas in UK. In 2010/11 the undergraduate intake included 57% of accepted students coming from the top three socio-economic classes and only 7% from the bottom three. | A review by the General Medical Council in 2013 found in a survey of 39 000 doctors in training only 6.3% came from the most deprived areas in UK. In 2010/11 the undergraduate intake included 57% of accepted students coming from the top three socio-economic classes and only 7% from the bottom three. |
| Medical students will now need to consider accumulating debts in the region of £70,000. The recent scrapping of university maintenance grants mean that students from low-income families will be shouldering this financial burden themselves. | Medical students will now need to consider accumulating debts in the region of £70,000. The recent scrapping of university maintenance grants mean that students from low-income families will be shouldering this financial burden themselves. |
| The reality is that doctors in training can spend up to ten years working their way to consultant grade. During this time, junior doctors often will be required to move from hospital to hospital, complete postgraduate qualifications and attend courses. | The reality is that doctors in training can spend up to ten years working their way to consultant grade. During this time, junior doctors often will be required to move from hospital to hospital, complete postgraduate qualifications and attend courses. |
| The BMA report that the proposed contract changes may result in a 40% pay cut for some junior doctors. Doctors with dependents who choose to work less than full time appear to be much worse off under the new contract. | The BMA report that the proposed contract changes may result in a 40% pay cut for some junior doctors. Doctors with dependents who choose to work less than full time appear to be much worse off under the new contract. |
| Rather than having a world-class health system that promotes the brightest and best, we will be limiting career options within medicine to those that can afford it. | Rather than having a world-class health system that promotes the brightest and best, we will be limiting career options within medicine to those that can afford it. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.00pm BST | at 3.00pm BST |
| 2.46pm BST | 2.46pm BST |
| 14:46 | 14:46 |
| Shadow health secretary: 'Wrong to punish staff for government's NHS mismanagement' | Shadow health secretary: 'Wrong to punish staff for government's NHS mismanagement' |
| Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, is speaking now at the rally in central London. | Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, is speaking now at the rally in central London. |
| Here are her remarks, via a preview of her speech from Labour HQ: | Here are her remarks, via a preview of her speech from Labour HQ: |
| I spent Wednesday morning with a junior doctor, and let me say this - junior doctors are the backbone of the NHS. They already work nights, they already work weekends, and they even work Christmas Day. | I spent Wednesday morning with a junior doctor, and let me say this - junior doctors are the backbone of the NHS. They already work nights, they already work weekends, and they even work Christmas Day. |
| It’s wrong that this Government is OK with the idea of paying some junior doctors less to do the work they do now. They’re wrong to want to remove the safeguards which prevent junior doctors from having to work excessive and exhausting hours. | It’s wrong that this Government is OK with the idea of paying some junior doctors less to do the work they do now. They’re wrong to want to remove the safeguards which prevent junior doctors from having to work excessive and exhausting hours. |
| And they’re wrong to punish staff for their own financial mismanagement of the NHS. | And they’re wrong to punish staff for their own financial mismanagement of the NHS. |
| Nobody wants to see industrial action but nobody wants junior doctors too exhausted to provide safe patient care either. | Nobody wants to see industrial action but nobody wants junior doctors too exhausted to provide safe patient care either. |
| I have a simple message for Jeremy Hunt today. Stop the high-handed demands, show you are prepared to compromise and put patient safety ahead of politics. The ball is in his court. He needs to listen to junior doctors and he needs to recognise public concern. | I have a simple message for Jeremy Hunt today. Stop the high-handed demands, show you are prepared to compromise and put patient safety ahead of politics. The ball is in his court. He needs to listen to junior doctors and he needs to recognise public concern. |
| If he continues to ignore those concerns, the outcome will be bad for doctors, bad for patients and bad for the NHS. | If he continues to ignore those concerns, the outcome will be bad for doctors, bad for patients and bad for the NHS. |
| "I support you & I support NHS. I think it's wrong that Jeremy Hunt punishes staff for his own mismanagement of the NHS" - Heidi Alexander | "I support you & I support NHS. I think it's wrong that Jeremy Hunt punishes staff for his own mismanagement of the NHS" - Heidi Alexander |
| Stop the high handed demands. Patients before politics. Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt #juniordoctors #juniorprotest #notfairnotsafe | Stop the high handed demands. Patients before politics. Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt #juniordoctors #juniorprotest #notfairnotsafe |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.02pm BST | at 3.02pm BST |
| 2.37pm BST | 2.37pm BST |
| 14:37 | 14:37 |
| Here’s an exceptionally catchy YouTube video by three final year medical students at the University of Nottingham, giving their musical perspective on the junior contract. | Here’s an exceptionally catchy YouTube video by three final year medical students at the University of Nottingham, giving their musical perspective on the junior contract. |
| The video’s stars say they are “naturally very concerned by the proposed changes to junior doctor’s contracts”. | The video’s stars say they are “naturally very concerned by the proposed changes to junior doctor’s contracts”. |
| “We have made a fun, light-hearted video in the hope that people will actually want to watch it, thus increasing general awareness and understanding of what we feel is a very serious issue.” | “We have made a fun, light-hearted video in the hope that people will actually want to watch it, thus increasing general awareness and understanding of what we feel is a very serious issue.” |
| 2.33pm BST | 2.33pm BST |
| 14:33 | 14:33 |
| Protests over the contract are simultaneously taking place in Belfast and Nottingham. | Protests over the contract are simultaneously taking place in Belfast and Nottingham. |
| In the East Midlands, the rally is starting at the Brian Clough statue, off Old Market Square, and the Nottingham Post reports about 350-400 doctors are expected to attend. | In the East Midlands, the rally is starting at the Brian Clough statue, off Old Market Square, and the Nottingham Post reports about 350-400 doctors are expected to attend. |
| #notsafenotfair #saveourNHS #Nottingham #juniorcontract #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/DQPC7zWxB3 | #notsafenotfair #saveourNHS #Nottingham #juniorcontract #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/DQPC7zWxB3 |
| Big turnout in Nottingham #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/xTRhiFCKJs | Big turnout in Nottingham #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/xTRhiFCKJs |
| In Northern Ireland, doctors are protesting at Belfast city hall, and the Facebook page for the event has more than 1,000 people committing to attending. | In Northern Ireland, doctors are protesting at Belfast city hall, and the Facebook page for the event has more than 1,000 people committing to attending. |
| Crowds building for NI Junior Doctor Rally, #Belfast City Hall. #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe #notsafenotfair #nhs pic.twitter.com/u3bjPRCNT9 | Crowds building for NI Junior Doctor Rally, #Belfast City Hall. #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe #notsafenotfair #nhs pic.twitter.com/u3bjPRCNT9 |
| Hundreds gather outside City Hall in Belfast #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe #belfast pic.twitter.com/HOHlJOfVpc | Hundreds gather outside City Hall in Belfast #juniorcontract #notfairnotsafe #belfast pic.twitter.com/HOHlJOfVpc |
| Super turnout for today's junior doctor rally in Belfast today #juniorcontract #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/UXW5o6lTvw | Super turnout for today's junior doctor rally in Belfast today #juniorcontract #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/UXW5o6lTvw |
| Crowds at @juniordrsrally in #Belfast #juniorcontract #juniordoctorprotest #NHS pic.twitter.com/9NaVF7rxwy | Crowds at @juniordrsrally in #Belfast #juniorcontract #juniordoctorprotest #NHS pic.twitter.com/9NaVF7rxwy |
| Belfast #juniorcontract rally @johannmalawana #standingtogether pic.twitter.com/zYEtFCiOuE | Belfast #juniorcontract rally @johannmalawana #standingtogether pic.twitter.com/zYEtFCiOuE |
| Please do get in touch if you’re attending a protest in either Nottingham or Belfast and tell us about atmosphere there too - either tweet @jessicaelgot or email me on jessica.elgot@theguardian.com. | Please do get in touch if you’re attending a protest in either Nottingham or Belfast and tell us about atmosphere there too - either tweet @jessicaelgot or email me on jessica.elgot@theguardian.com. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.44pm BST | at 3.44pm BST |
| 2.12pm BST | 2.12pm BST |
| 14:12 | 14:12 |
| London protest kicks off at Waterloo Place | London protest kicks off at Waterloo Place |
| Protesters have gathered for speeches at the rally which will take place for the next couple of hours, and will include shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander and 92-year-old NHS campaigner, Labour activist and author Harry Leslie Smith. | Protesters have gathered for speeches at the rally which will take place for the next couple of hours, and will include shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander and 92-year-old NHS campaigner, Labour activist and author Harry Leslie Smith. |
| Organisers say they expect around 16,000 people to attend. | Organisers say they expect around 16,000 people to attend. |
| The junior doctor protest organisers, already here and setting up! See you soon x #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/jdaeNIvIAy | The junior doctor protest organisers, already here and setting up! See you soon x #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/jdaeNIvIAy |
| Enroute to the #juniorcontract protest pic.twitter.com/6W9oZmGHTb | Enroute to the #juniorcontract protest pic.twitter.com/6W9oZmGHTb |
| Placards everywhere! United we stand! #saveournhs #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/BogLq8TJwF | Placards everywhere! United we stand! #saveournhs #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/BogLq8TJwF |
| We have to stand together say @clarercgp and @RoshanaMN #juniorcontract #notsafenotfair @Harryslaststand and me! pic.twitter.com/JiGQvfcWN3 | We have to stand together say @clarercgp and @RoshanaMN #juniorcontract #notsafenotfair @Harryslaststand and me! pic.twitter.com/JiGQvfcWN3 |
| Happy to be marching for our #juniorcontract with @beccilocky and @Lisix. #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/gmegJdBZH3 | Happy to be marching for our #juniorcontract with @beccilocky and @Lisix. #notsafenotfair pic.twitter.com/gmegJdBZH3 |
| Just arrived at #juniorcontract protest. Great turnout of medics stirred into action http://t.co/tWASMBBjkk pic.twitter.com/6Dku1Ia9ac | Just arrived at #juniorcontract protest. Great turnout of medics stirred into action http://t.co/tWASMBBjkk pic.twitter.com/6Dku1Ia9ac |
| Our protest would be much bigger but juniors ALREADY WORK WEEKENDS! #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/ibk1cObq8r | Our protest would be much bigger but juniors ALREADY WORK WEEKENDS! #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/ibk1cObq8r |
| Health school students from @KingsCollegeLon assembling for today's #juniorcontract demonstration. pic.twitter.com/X6pumxMETc | Health school students from @KingsCollegeLon assembling for today's #juniorcontract demonstration. pic.twitter.com/X6pumxMETc |
| #JuniorContract Drs on junior dr demo pic.twitter.com/EORk8hXJn0 | #JuniorContract Drs on junior dr demo pic.twitter.com/EORk8hXJn0 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.23pm BST | at 2.23pm BST |
| 2.01pm BST | 2.01pm BST |
| 14:01 | 14:01 |
| The march is set to start in a few minutes at Waterloo Place, here’s a map of the route. | The march is set to start in a few minutes at Waterloo Place, here’s a map of the route. |
| Map of the Junior Doctors London Protest - 17/10/15 @ 2pm #ourliveyourhands #juniorcontract https://t.co/sdKbr1nXDC pic.twitter.com/kBd0hFCzm0 | Map of the Junior Doctors London Protest - 17/10/15 @ 2pm #ourliveyourhands #juniorcontract https://t.co/sdKbr1nXDC pic.twitter.com/kBd0hFCzm0 |
| 1.29pm BST | 1.29pm BST |
| 13:29 | 13:29 |
| Denis Campbell | Denis Campbell |
| The Guardian’s health policy editor puzzles over the Health Secretary’s true agenda in pushing the junior contract: | The Guardian’s health policy editor puzzles over the Health Secretary’s true agenda in pushing the junior contract: |
| What does Jeremy Hunt think he’s doing here? What’s his strategy for dealing with something when even the Daily Telegraph is warning that Conservative activists don’t understand why it’s become such a problem? | What does Jeremy Hunt think he’s doing here? What’s his strategy for dealing with something when even the Daily Telegraph is warning that Conservative activists don’t understand why it’s become such a problem? |
| Reading reports of what the health secretary said in his round of pre-demo broadcast interviews this morning, about how the dispute is all the BMA’s fault because they’ve misrepresented the government’s position, makes me even more puzzled by his whole approach to the wave of medical anger that he himself has triggered. | Reading reports of what the health secretary said in his round of pre-demo broadcast interviews this morning, about how the dispute is all the BMA’s fault because they’ve misrepresented the government’s position, makes me even more puzzled by his whole approach to the wave of medical anger that he himself has triggered. |
| His erstwhile ministerial colleague Dr Dan Poulter recently revealed in the Guardian that the broad parameters of an agreement were in place in the negotiations with the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee a year ago, but Hunt then suddenly ripped that up when the JDC walked out of talks over an unrelated matter involving their consultant colleagues. | His erstwhile ministerial colleague Dr Dan Poulter recently revealed in the Guardian that the broad parameters of an agreement were in place in the negotiations with the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee a year ago, but Hunt then suddenly ripped that up when the JDC walked out of talks over an unrelated matter involving their consultant colleagues. |
| When I spoke to JDC Chair Dr Johann Malawana yesterday for this piece, he put it well: “I don’t understand what Jeremy Hunt’s agenda here is. There are conspiracy theories about the Tories and the NHS [that they deliberately want the NHS to fail so they can bring in a new system of paying for healthcare]. | When I spoke to JDC Chair Dr Johann Malawana yesterday for this piece, he put it well: “I don’t understand what Jeremy Hunt’s agenda here is. There are conspiracy theories about the Tories and the NHS [that they deliberately want the NHS to fail so they can bring in a new system of paying for healthcare]. |
| “But whatever happens to the NHS you still need a certain level of capacity to deliver a healthcare system. The conspiracy theory doesn’t make any sense [in understanding Hunt’s tactics] because even the most efficient health services in the world don’t alienate junior doctors and try and push them out of medicine.” | “But whatever happens to the NHS you still need a certain level of capacity to deliver a healthcare system. The conspiracy theory doesn’t make any sense [in understanding Hunt’s tactics] because even the most efficient health services in the world don’t alienate junior doctors and try and push them out of medicine.” |
| Can anyone see the logic, purpose or benefit of Hunt’s attitude this far to the junior doctors? | Can anyone see the logic, purpose or benefit of Hunt’s attitude this far to the junior doctors? |
| 1.19pm BST | 1.19pm BST |
| 13:19 | 13:19 |
| Apart from covering the shifts of colleagues, many consultants are also joining the march today to show support. | Apart from covering the shifts of colleagues, many consultants are also joining the march today to show support. |
| @jessicaelgot I am a consultant and will be marching. Today's consultants were yesterday's juniors #juniordoctorprotest #notsafenotfair | @jessicaelgot I am a consultant and will be marching. Today's consultants were yesterday's juniors #juniordoctorprotest #notsafenotfair |
| @jessicaelgot my consultant is marching with me! | @jessicaelgot my consultant is marching with me! |
| Consultant today, junior doctor yesterday. On way to the march to support all junior doctors. #istandwithjohann #patientsneedjuniors | Consultant today, junior doctor yesterday. On way to the march to support all junior doctors. #istandwithjohann #patientsneedjuniors |
| 1.08pm BST | 1.08pm BST |
| 13:08 | 13:08 |
| Consultants offer cover for junior doctors | Consultants offer cover for junior doctors |
| Jessica Elgot | Jessica Elgot |
| Consultants at London’s busiest hospitals are coming into work today, unpaid, in order to cover the shifts of junior doctors on today’s march. | Consultants at London’s busiest hospitals are coming into work today, unpaid, in order to cover the shifts of junior doctors on today’s march. |
| Dr Helgi Johannsson, clinical director of anaesthesia at Imperial, said four consultant anaesthetists have decided to come in to St Mary’s Hospital in Westminster on Saturday to cover junior colleagues on the march. | Dr Helgi Johannsson, clinical director of anaesthesia at Imperial, said four consultant anaesthetists have decided to come in to St Mary’s Hospital in Westminster on Saturday to cover junior colleagues on the march. |
| “This is one of those specialism where colleagues are often needed to cover very unsociable hours, and we have calculated our juniors in anaesthesia could receive a 20% pay cut,” he told the Guardian. “And we are not talking about young people, these are people who are in their 40s.” | “This is one of those specialism where colleagues are often needed to cover very unsociable hours, and we have calculated our juniors in anaesthesia could receive a 20% pay cut,” he told the Guardian. “And we are not talking about young people, these are people who are in their 40s.” |
| “So one colleague quietly said to me, ‘I’m not doing anything Saturday, I think it’s important to come in and cover,” he continued. “So we started to spread the idea around the department and there was a great deal of enthusiasm.” | “So one colleague quietly said to me, ‘I’m not doing anything Saturday, I think it’s important to come in and cover,” he continued. “So we started to spread the idea around the department and there was a great deal of enthusiasm.” |
| One of those covering for her junior colleagues at St Mary’s is Dr Vidhya Nagaratnam, a consultant neuro- anaesthetist. “It is extremely important to make this show of unity because this contract is aimed at dividing us from our junior colleagues. We are strong when we stand together,” she told the Guardian. | One of those covering for her junior colleagues at St Mary’s is Dr Vidhya Nagaratnam, a consultant neuro- anaesthetist. “It is extremely important to make this show of unity because this contract is aimed at dividing us from our junior colleagues. We are strong when we stand together,” she told the Guardian. |
| “This is a chance to make a real difference, and as this contract doesn’t affect me as a consultant, this is a way I can do something about it too. We all do already work Saturdays anyway, but this is an extra Saturday, and not paid.” | “This is a chance to make a real difference, and as this contract doesn’t affect me as a consultant, this is a way I can do something about it too. We all do already work Saturdays anyway, but this is an extra Saturday, and not paid.” |
| Dr Nagaratnam said she knew of many other consultants in hospitals across the country who were doing a similar gesture, at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge, the Whittington hospital in north London and at Charing Cross hospital in the city centre, in specialisms ranging from trauma to urology and gynaecology, and including a 62-year-old consultant neurosurgeon. | Dr Nagaratnam said she knew of many other consultants in hospitals across the country who were doing a similar gesture, at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge, the Whittington hospital in north London and at Charing Cross hospital in the city centre, in specialisms ranging from trauma to urology and gynaecology, and including a 62-year-old consultant neurosurgeon. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.12pm BST | at 1.12pm BST |