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Junior doctors strike: Jeremy Corbyn joins protest march - live Junior doctors strike: Jeremy Corbyn joins protest march - live
(35 minutes later)
6.16pm BST
18:16
Green MP for Brighton Carline Lucas has also addressed the striking doctors, pledging to continue her fight against the commercialisation of the NHS.
Huge cheer for @CarolineLucas as she backs the #JuniorDoctorsStrike + pledges to keep up the fight for the #NHSBill pic.twitter.com/zRsXAmCWeV
6.12pm BST
18:12
Jeremy Corbyn told the crowds gathered in Westminster: “The government has an opportunity to settle this, they should get on and do so.”
Cheers for Corbyn as he tells the #doctorsstrike demo outside N10: "Don't worry. Not all Jeremys are bad" pic.twitter.com/qWBEvYFjpb
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, said the health secretary would eventually have to back down amid sustained pressure from junior doctors.
Corbyn now in Whitehall with McDonnell. What a march! #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/ngyI0fiIsi
Corbyn about to take to the stage... pic.twitter.com/UP3adissWN
Updated
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6.04pm BST
18:04
Hundreds of protesters are now gathered outside of Jeremy Hunt’s office at the Department of Health.
Hundreds of junior doctors (and hangers on) are now outside Jeremy Hunt's office #doctorsstrike pic.twitter.com/SGy1IRvsID
5.55pm BST
17:55
Jeremy Corbyn has demanded that Jeremy Hunt comes out of hiding, according to a Daily Mirror reporter at the scene.
@jeremycorbyn and @johnmcdonnellMP lead the #JuniorDoctorsStrike demanding Jeremy Hunt comes 'out of hiding' pic.twitter.com/aIVZQjRGPt
Aspinall also reports that protesters outside the Department of Health are singing “where are you Jeremy?”
Updated
at 6.00pm BST
5.44pm BST5.44pm BST
17:4417:44
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
My colleague Ben Quinn is at the doctors’ strike march near the Houses of Parliament where the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, were among the crowd. Corbyn is expected to speak to the rally. My colleague Ben Quinn is at the doctors’ strike march near parliament, where the number of protesters fill Westminster Bridge. The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, led the crowd on the walk from St Thomas’ Hospital to the Department of Health, joined by teachers marching in solidarity. Corbyn is expected to speak to the rally.
Corbyn & #doctorsstrike march passing Westminster. Toots of support https://t.co/dfyreOFxuuCorbyn & #doctorsstrike march passing Westminster. Toots of support https://t.co/dfyreOFxuu
Ben has also spotted this protester’s banner, which alludes to David Cameron’s tax arrangements.Ben has also spotted this protester’s banner, which alludes to David Cameron’s tax arrangements.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.53pm BST at 6.23pm BST
5.36pm BST5.36pm BST
17:3617:36
Senior hospital doctors have taken to Twitter throughout the day to express support for their junior colleagues, posting pictures showing how they are stepping in to provide cover.Senior hospital doctors have taken to Twitter throughout the day to express support for their junior colleagues, posting pictures showing how they are stepping in to provide cover.
Oliver Warren, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital NHS foundation trust, made several posts throughout the day to make the point that the strike was not leaving patients without care.Oliver Warren, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital NHS foundation trust, made several posts throughout the day to make the point that the strike was not leaving patients without care.
To those saying emerg pts will be harmed our first acute appendicitis of day is going on table. 2 x cons anaesthetist & 2 x con surgeon!To those saying emerg pts will be harmed our first acute appendicitis of day is going on table. 2 x cons anaesthetist & 2 x con surgeon!
He later posted: “Update from frontline – all going well! 3 consultant ward round, all pts [patients] seen – morale high. Off to ED to review a pt.”He later posted: “Update from frontline – all going well! 3 consultant ward round, all pts [patients] seen – morale high. Off to ED to review a pt.”
Prof Tekkis has your backs Junior Doctors, happily typing a discharge summary @ChelwestFT #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/bqP2UjFIg4Prof Tekkis has your backs Junior Doctors, happily typing a discharge summary @ChelwestFT #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/bqP2UjFIg4
He added: “Huge amounts of patient support – every single one.”He added: “Huge amounts of patient support – every single one.”
Dr Philip Lee, a consultant in acute medicine and elderly care, pledged his support for striking colleagues as he headed to work to provide cover. He tweeted: “On my way in to work, actually looking forward to being med reg for the day!”Dr Philip Lee, a consultant in acute medicine and elderly care, pledged his support for striking colleagues as he headed to work to provide cover. He tweeted: “On my way in to work, actually looking forward to being med reg for the day!”
Simon Fairweather, a striking junior emergency doctor, tweeted a photo of supportive senior colleagues.Simon Fairweather, a striking junior emergency doctor, tweeted a photo of supportive senior colleagues.
Outstanding consultant support from ED consultants. Thank you #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/yexxM0ahnSOutstanding consultant support from ED consultants. Thank you #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/yexxM0ahnS
Across England, hospitals appear to have coped well, with low waiting times across A&E departments and no urgent calls for doctors to return from the picket lines, according to the Press Association.Across England, hospitals appear to have coped well, with low waiting times across A&E departments and no urgent calls for doctors to return from the picket lines, according to the Press Association.
Other NHS staff took to social media to explain how they had worked longer hours in a show of support for the strike.Other NHS staff took to social media to explain how they had worked longer hours in a show of support for the strike.
As NHS admin I was up at 6am & at the GP surgery at just gone 7am to open up early & support the #doctorsstrike today!@NHSMillion #proudAs NHS admin I was up at 6am & at the GP surgery at just gone 7am to open up early & support the #doctorsstrike today!@NHSMillion #proud
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.42pm BSTat 5.42pm BST
4.54pm BST4.54pm BST
16:5416:54
Sarah JohnsonSarah Johnson
As many junior doctors have taken to the picket line, GPs have had to bear the strain and see extra patients needing medical attention.As many junior doctors have taken to the picket line, GPs have had to bear the strain and see extra patients needing medical attention.
One GP in Bromley, who spoke to the Guardian under condition of anonymity, said each doctor in his practice had taken on six extra appointments to cope with demand on strike days, and that all had been filled. Although, it is fair to say that some of those people probably should not have been going to A&E in the first place.One GP in Bromley, who spoke to the Guardian under condition of anonymity, said each doctor in his practice had taken on six extra appointments to cope with demand on strike days, and that all had been filled. Although, it is fair to say that some of those people probably should not have been going to A&E in the first place.
He said:He said:
We’re dealing with a lot of minor injuries that people would normally go to A&E for. This morning I had a sprained ankle which I wouldn’t normally see.We’re dealing with a lot of minor injuries that people would normally go to A&E for. This morning I had a sprained ankle which I wouldn’t normally see.
In advance of the strike, the local CCG asked practices in Bromley to increase capacity to provide appointments across the area.In advance of the strike, the local CCG asked practices in Bromley to increase capacity to provide appointments across the area.
The GP added:The GP added:
It hasn’t been that bad. I was expecting it to be a lot worse. Our patients are getting used to strikes. We’ve added capacity, but it hasn’t been horrendous.It hasn’t been that bad. I was expecting it to be a lot worse. Our patients are getting used to strikes. We’ve added capacity, but it hasn’t been horrendous.
4.51pm BST4.51pm BST
16:5116:51
Junior doctors, some on an open-top bus, and supporters from other professions are gathering for a march to the Department of Health.Junior doctors, some on an open-top bus, and supporters from other professions are gathering for a march to the Department of Health.
Top bus outside Kings College Hospital! Go on guys!! #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/cWf2bZlsKkTop bus outside Kings College Hospital! Go on guys!! #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/cWf2bZlsKk
Junior drs, teachers & the public beginning the gather for today's #JuniorDoctorsStrike demonstration pic.twitter.com/QrvX5PIS53Junior drs, teachers & the public beginning the gather for today's #JuniorDoctorsStrike demonstration pic.twitter.com/QrvX5PIS53
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at 4.54pm BSTat 4.54pm BST
4.41pm BST4.41pm BST
16:4116:41
Sarah JohnsonSarah Johnson
While a large majority of the NHS workforce in England is supportive of an all-out strike, there is a minority of healthcare workers who do not agree with it.While a large majority of the NHS workforce in England is supportive of an all-out strike, there is a minority of healthcare workers who do not agree with it.
Will Denby, a GP registrar in Hampshire, told the Guardian:Will Denby, a GP registrar in Hampshire, told the Guardian:
The strike is now wholly unfortunate, regrettable and damaging. I would like to hope that all parties wish it had never come to this - no one will come out of it well.The strike is now wholly unfortunate, regrettable and damaging. I would like to hope that all parties wish it had never come to this - no one will come out of it well.
I don’t support withholding emergency care. I don’t think it directly causes harm, or affects safety, but it affects our relationship with the people we serve.I don’t support withholding emergency care. I don’t think it directly causes harm, or affects safety, but it affects our relationship with the people we serve.
Our profession has to have trust with the society we serve at its heart, and while I agree there is a longer term view in all-out striking, for me a line is crossed. I would support continued striking, but not over acute and emergency care.Our profession has to have trust with the society we serve at its heart, and while I agree there is a longer term view in all-out striking, for me a line is crossed. I would support continued striking, but not over acute and emergency care.
4.30pm BST4.30pm BST
16:3016:30
Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
The highest participation rate by junior doctors in today’s action seems to have been at the Barts Health trust in London, which is also the NHS’s biggest trust.The highest participation rate by junior doctors in today’s action seems to have been at the Barts Health trust in London, which is also the NHS’s biggest trust.
The trust says that just 11.6% of the 1,000 or so junior doctors who were meant to be at work today showed up, which means that the other 88.4% stayed away. Barts runs four hospitals in the east of the capital: the Royal London, Barts itself, Newham general and Whipps Cross. Those figures are for today’s turnout at all four places.The trust says that just 11.6% of the 1,000 or so junior doctors who were meant to be at work today showed up, which means that the other 88.4% stayed away. Barts runs four hospitals in the east of the capital: the Royal London, Barts itself, Newham general and Whipps Cross. Those figures are for today’s turnout at all four places.
Across London, slightly more junior doctors – 26% – turned up for work at the Royal Free hospital trust’s three hospitals.Across London, slightly more junior doctors – 26% – turned up for work at the Royal Free hospital trust’s three hospitals.
We currently have 480 doctors on duty across the trust today, 72 of whom are junior doctors. If industrial action were not taking place we would expect to have 557 doctors on duty across the trust, 278 of whom would have been junior doctors.We currently have 480 doctors on duty across the trust today, 72 of whom are junior doctors. If industrial action were not taking place we would expect to have 557 doctors on duty across the trust, 278 of whom would have been junior doctors.
So that’s 72 of 278 who did cross picketlines – just over one in four.So that’s 72 of 278 who did cross picketlines – just over one in four.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.35pm BSTat 4.35pm BST
4.28pm BST4.28pm BST
16:2816:28
Kunal Babla, a doctor in Lewisham hospital’s neo-natal department, said accusations of “greedy” juniors looking after themselves were misplaced. He said:Kunal Babla, a doctor in Lewisham hospital’s neo-natal department, said accusations of “greedy” juniors looking after themselves were misplaced. He said:
If we privatise what do you think is going to happen to my salary? We all stand to gain from a privatised service and we are telling you not to do it.If we privatise what do you think is going to happen to my salary? We all stand to gain from a privatised service and we are telling you not to do it.
On the industrial action, he said:On the industrial action, he said:
You’ve got to have hope otherwise it’s pointless. If you can’t see an end to it you may as well not try. We are making lots of noise and everyone’s hearing, but the people who have an opportunity to put an end to it aren’t listening.You’ve got to have hope otherwise it’s pointless. If you can’t see an end to it you may as well not try. We are making lots of noise and everyone’s hearing, but the people who have an opportunity to put an end to it aren’t listening.
Kunal Babla, neo-natal: if we privatise what do do you think is going to happen to my salary? #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/srmwyu4wGJKunal Babla, neo-natal: if we privatise what do do you think is going to happen to my salary? #JuniorDoctorsStrike pic.twitter.com/srmwyu4wGJ
4.18pm BST4.18pm BST
16:1816:18
In the same email in which NHS England said 78% of doctors did not show up for work today (see previous update), it gives figures for the previous industrial action on 6 to 8 April, when emergency cover was provided.In the same email in which NHS England said 78% of doctors did not show up for work today (see previous update), it gives figures for the previous industrial action on 6 to 8 April, when emergency cover was provided.
At the time of the previous walkout it said that 46% of junior doctors had reported for duty on the day shift but it could not say how many of those were rostered on to emergency care and so not expected to join the action.At the time of the previous walkout it said that 46% of junior doctors had reported for duty on the day shift but it could not say how many of those were rostered on to emergency care and so not expected to join the action.
However, it now says that it has calculated that approximately 88% were on strike on 6 to 8 April. It seems strange that they have only managed to calculate and/or release this figure now. A cynic might suggest that they are trying to show that appetite for the industrial action has declined among BMA members.However, it now says that it has calculated that approximately 88% were on strike on 6 to 8 April. It seems strange that they have only managed to calculate and/or release this figure now. A cynic might suggest that they are trying to show that appetite for the industrial action has declined among BMA members.
Dr Anne Rainsberry, national incident director for NHS England, said:Dr Anne Rainsberry, national incident director for NHS England, said:
The NHS exists to help the sick and people in need and we’d like to sincerely apologise to the more than a hundred thousand people facing disruption during this strike alone, as well as the thousands more affected over the last few months.The NHS exists to help the sick and people in need and we’d like to sincerely apologise to the more than a hundred thousand people facing disruption during this strike alone, as well as the thousands more affected over the last few months.
This is an unprecedented situation and staff across the NHS have made herculean efforts to ensure continued safe services for patients, which is always our top priority. However the escalation of this action does bring heightened risk and we are continuing to vigilantly monitor the picture across the whole of the country.This is an unprecedented situation and staff across the NHS have made herculean efforts to ensure continued safe services for patients, which is always our top priority. However the escalation of this action does bring heightened risk and we are continuing to vigilantly monitor the picture across the whole of the country.
The NHS is open for business but in some places may be under specific pressure. We ask the public to use it wisely in this very challenging time as some services may change and some may be busier than usual.The NHS is open for business but in some places may be under specific pressure. We ask the public to use it wisely in this very challenging time as some services may change and some may be busier than usual.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.23pm BSTat 4.23pm BST
4.06pm BST
16:06
78% of junior doctors did not work today
NHS England says the earliest available data “indicates that 78% (21,608) of junior doctors who were expected to be working have not reported for duty today – this includes other forms of absence, such as sickness, not just industrial action”.
Updated
at 4.15pm BST
4.00pm BST
16:00
Aisha Gani
Helen, who works in paediatrics, is based at the Royal London hospital doing all her on-call and weekend shifts there, but during days she’s working at the Wellington Way community centre, also in east London.
She has worked overseas but came back to the UK as this is where she trained. She said morale was much better when she was working in New Zealand, as was the attitude to flexibility in training. Just this week she has had 15 email offers of work from New Zealand and would consider going back, she said.
The thing I feel guilty about is we’ve been quiet for too long and we’ve been stretched and stretched and stretched and kept saying yes. But If I keep accepting substandard funding then I’m complicit in the system too.
She explained that at the Royal London – with four paediatric wards and 80 beds – on a day shift there are usually seven registrars, 11 senior house officers and usually one on-call consultant in. Meanwhile other paediatric consultants are working in the hospital but in operating theatres, clinics and ward rounds.
She said:
The consultants in paediatrics just came down a while ago and gave support. A consultant said it had been so quiet he saw [only] three patients.
They have been extremely supportive but it’s a short-term measure and for a two-day stretch, but it can’t continue.
Helen a paediatric has worked in New Zealand where she said morale and attitude to training was much better pic.twitter.com/XtTbLwqsNO
Updated
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3.25pm BST
15:25
Denis Campbell
Denis Campbell points us to a blog by the widely-respected NHS commentator Roy Lilley, who slates both sides in the junior doctors’ dispute. First he tackles Jeremy Hunt and his determined campaign to turn the health service in England into a truly seven-day service – which he calls a “world-class cock-up”. Lilley says:
For the NHS to become a truly seven day service would have been a world-first achievement. So far, making it happen has been a world-class cock-up. Instead of inspiring the NHS to show the world what good looks like, we have provoked the back-bone of the workforce to stand outside hospitals watching ambulances arrive.
It is because the 7-day ‘thing’ is a work in progress that the DH, whoever the secretary of state may be, cannot give in to the unions. To concede to the BMA is to become a soft touch for the rest of the groups that are likely to rail against inevitable changes to their working practices. The government cannot give in. They cannot have their election pledge blocked by a trade union. The junior doctors have never been the enemy. Their union is…
Then, moving on to the British Medical Association, he is just as excoriating.
The BMA find themselves in a similar bind. Recent elections to the BMA council have moved them to the left; they are no friend of this government. This is not about gaps in a rota or a premium for weekend working. This is about the cost of losing a strike.
In the same way the [NHS hospital] trusts are the bystanders in this row; picking up the pieces, making the best of too few staff, too high locum costs and too little money, so the junior doctors, their career and reputations will be the collateral damage in a battle the BMA have been quite happy to see them fight.
The BMA? Stuck with a plan A that hasn’t worked and a plan B that means more strikes and disruption. You can’t dignify it with the word strategy.
Updated
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3.19pm BST
15:19
Rachel Sinton, a junior doctor on the picket line outside Royal Liverpool University hospital spoke to Frances Perraudin. She said:
I know so many people who are talking about leaving. They’re demoralised, it just becomes a point where it’s not worth it and we love our jobs.
Rachel Sinton, a junior doc in L'pool, says her colleagues regularly have to do the work of 2 or 3 people. pic.twitter.com/Mr4MUKNbTv
3.03pm BST
15:03
The TUC is being urged to organise a national day of action in support of the junior doctors, reports the Press Association.
The executive of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union called for the idea to be discussed at a meeting of the TUC general council on Wednesday.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said:
It is increasingly clear that the Government is deliberately stoking the dispute for political reasons, and that the BMA’s brave response continues to be necessary in defence of patient safety.
The junior doctors’ determined action enjoys wide public support and deserves the fullest possible support and solidarity from the trade union movement.
2.56pm BST
14:56
Damien Gayle is now at Lewisham hospital where hail and snow have forced most of the junior doctors indoors. Jonah Dearlove, a second year trainee in the ear, nose and throat department, explained his opposition to the new contract. At the moment his basic salary is £28,000, which he makes up in unsociable hours payments.
“At the moment I can diary card, where we record all of our hours, we go through the BMA and if it’s not in compliance with our terms and conditions then they may have to make a payout to the doctors because they classified them under the wrong pay scale.
That’s a disincentive for the hospitals to set out rotas that are unsustainable … That stops us from being made to work unsafe hours, and that’s going away.”
According to Dearlove, under the new contracts, instead of having to pay doctors who are being overworked, the hospital would have to pay another fine – to itself.
He went on: “One of the reasons why the contract is being changed is potentially a consequence of the fall-out at Hitchinbrooke (Cambridgeshire), which was taken over by a private company and was given back because they couldn’t run it profitably.
Jonah Dearlove, Lewisham: "Because we've got a monopoly employer the choice is leave medicine or leave the country" pic.twitter.com/zk9sKCpmMI
“If they change the doctors contract that will be a chance for them to change all the contracts to bring them in line with this model – the nurses, the support staff, the radiographers. They will be able to cheaply move everyone into working at the weekend, low cost and with no safeguards to prevent the hospital – or ultimately the private provider – from imposing unsafe hours.
“NHS budgets are shrinking in real terms and so in order to get the best value for money the hospital, or private provider, is going to want to staff the rotas in a minimal way. If you don’t have any safeguards on working hours there is nothing to prevent one employer from staffing things in such a way that you are well over your [contracted] working hours. That will leave us with tired doctors who are going to make mistakes and put patients at risk.”
Updated
at 3.06pm BST
2.51pm BST
14:51
This junior doctor wants the health secretary to know the impact working weekends has had on her love life.
Best one I've seen so far!(#JuniorDoctorsStrike placard, I mean!) pic.twitter.com/lITO3ToiSo
2.39pm BST
14:39
Steven Morris
Some figures from the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals trust.
Of the 125 junior doctors who were expected in today, 46 worked. The figure was more like 50% last strike.
The BMA calculates that today and tomorrow about 100 surgical appointments and some 700 outpatient/follow-up appointments will have been lost. That’s not to say they were cancelled at the last moment – they were simply not planned in when they would have been normally.
Basil Fozard, medical director at the trust, said safety of patients had not been compromised. “The key element is that there is solidarity among the consultants and other grades who are supportive of the junior doctors.” He said that A&E, the acute medical unit and most theatres were working normally.
Fozard would not say if he supported the strike but two of his children have taken part in the dispute – and he said he had spoken to them today – which suggests relations are amicable and he may have sympathy.
Basil Fozard, medical director at the Royal Bournemouth hospital. pic.twitter.com/6GqhpTBqzf
Updated
at 3.11pm BST
2.35pm BST
14:35
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to David Cameron urging the government to return to the negotiating table with junior doctors’ leaders.
UK Govt needs to talk to junior doctors. Read @NicolaSturgeon’s letter to David Cameron https://t.co/oJLuaLG9aX pic.twitter.com/lztanidiAO
2.29pm BST
14:29
Senior hospital doctors’ union the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) says there is “growing frustration” among senior clinicians at the government’s failure to act to defuse the dispute.
Professor Ross Welch, president of the TUC-affiliated HCSA, said:
Consultants and specialists will be stepping into the breach today to ensure that excellent patient care continues across our NHS for those most in need.
Senior hospital doctors have for weeks been working with trusts to ensure that the most vital services, including cancer care, are provided.
However, they do so with a sense of growing frustration with a government that refuses to lift the threat of planned imposition of the new contract for doctors in training.
The HCSA has always backed in principle the idea of seven-day services, but not at any cost.
There is no shortcut to a safe seven-day service, and widespread concerns over the impact of the current proposals on recruitment, retention and the health and wellbeing of the next generations of hospital consultants must not be ignored.
Updated
at 2.46pm BST