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Junior doctors strike: Cameron says withdrawal of emergency care 'not right' - live Junior doctors strike: Cameron says withdrawal of emergency care 'not right' - live
(35 minutes later)
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Lunchtime summary
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Anushka Asthana
David Cameron is being kept updated on the strike by junior doctors, according to his official spokeswoman, who said there had been a series of contingency planning meetings.
She questioned the motivations of the doctors and compared their position to other public sector works.
You look at the impact on patients today and the concerns on risk, people are asking ‘is this an appropriate and proportionate response?’
On some of the issues at the heart of this, on Saturday pay, junior doctors earn more than ambulance workers, nurses, healthcare assistants, and others in the public sector like police officers and fireman who also work on a Saturday. It is important that people understand the contract is on average going to lead to an increase in basic pay of 13.5%.
She said the health secretary had written to the chair of the board of the BMA.
We would like to work with them on this and move forward. We’ve had three years of talks, there have been numerous concessions, we have done all we could to avoid these strikes.
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Dr Tony Rao, consultant psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust, says that 230 consultants and 20 middle grade doctors are reporting for work to cover junior doctors who are taking industrial action today.
He said:
Our trust has provided a safe and carefully planned system in each of its four boroughs to ensure that there is sufficient emergency cover to meet the extra demand.
Rao said that he had not managed to obtain figures for how many junior doctors had shown up for work.
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National Voices, a coalition of more than 140 health and social care charities, has offered to mediate in the contract dispute.
In a blog on the coalition’s website, chief executive Jeremy Taylor writes:
Why have talks not resumed? There is some evidence that neither side actually wants a resolution and that for different reasons, they are spoiling for a fight. Let us hope this is not the case. A perhaps more plausible explanation has to do with psychology. The dispute is now a classic stand-off in which neither side can back down without losing face ...
This is classic territory for mediation by an independent and trusted third party. It could for example be the charities and patient organisations under the umbrella of National Voices. We would be very happy to provide the neutral space for talks to resume, and to help find a suitable mediator. All of this would of course have to be out of the glare of publicity. Either party need only pick up the phone to us to start the ball rolling. Some might think this naïve. I am happy to be accused of naivety if the alternative is a continuing game of chicken between the government and the BMA for which patients pay the price.
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Helen Pidd
The waiting room in the A&E department at Manchester Royal Infirmary has rarely been so quiet, according to seasoned staff, reports Helen Pidd.
A video display on Tuesday morning said that the wait was one hour maximum, with anyone requiring immediate care guaranteed on-the-spot treatment. There were just two people in the usually busy waiting room at 10am. Waits of well over four hours are common, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, say junior doctors.
Outside, one paramedic said it would be a good day to get ill in Manchester, with casualty staffed entirely by consultants. “It’s always like this on strike days: for once, they’re over-staffed rather than under-staffed, and with the best qualified doctors in the hospital,” said the ambulance worker.
On Oxford Road, around 50 doctors waved placards in what medics said was their biggest picket yet. All said they knew of no junior doctors who had crossed the picket line. Attending his second picket was Rudy the cocker spaniel, who was sporting a tabard saying: “Dogs 4 Evidence Based Contracts.”
His owners, Max Clayton-Smith, 30, a trainee anaesthetist, and Annalie Clark, 29, training to be a psychiatrist, said they feared that the new contract would jeopardise patient safety.
“The new contract will obviously cause problems with the recruitment and retention of staff in specialities which already have a significant out of hours burden, such as paediatrics, A&E and psychiatry,” said Clayton-Smith, who works at Chorley hospital in Lancashire, which recently had to shut down its emergency department because of staff shortages.
If you’re asking those doctors to do even more antisocial hours for less pay, even fewer trainees would choose those specialisms, he suggested. His fiancee, Clark, said the couple had already had serious discussions about one of them leaving medicine all together if they start a family: “It’s definitely affected us, as two doctors. If Saturday is just another normal working day, I don’t know how you are supposed to manage if you have children.”
This is Rudy, the striking cocker spaniel, representing Dogs 4 Evidence Based Contracts on his second picket at MRI pic.twitter.com/4sNR0RBEKq
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No junior doctors have turned up for work at Hammersmith hospital today, this registrar claims.No junior doctors have turned up for work at Hammersmith hospital today, this registrar claims.
Site managers @ImperialNHS confirming: no #juniordoctors in hospital and #EmergencyCover safe. #timetotalkjeremy pic.twitter.com/SHm13euI1USite managers @ImperialNHS confirming: no #juniordoctors in hospital and #EmergencyCover safe. #timetotalkjeremy pic.twitter.com/SHm13euI1U
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Ben White, who resigned yesterday live on TV joined the picket at Newham General hospital. Ben White, who resigned live on TV yesterday, joined the picket at Newham general hospital.
White, 33, now former gastroenterologist: "If you believe in patient's safety you are against this contract" pic.twitter.com/7PVnyYlTsDWhite, 33, now former gastroenterologist: "If you believe in patient's safety you are against this contract" pic.twitter.com/7PVnyYlTsD
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Junior doctors have been receiving messages of support – and donations – from around the world.Junior doctors have been receiving messages of support – and donations – from around the world.
More than 1,000 people have raised £23k to support the #juniordoctors on JustGiving #poweredbypeople pic.twitter.com/cd58ZzG0kEMore than 1,000 people have raised £23k to support the #juniordoctors on JustGiving #poweredbypeople pic.twitter.com/cd58ZzG0kE
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Strike is 'not right' – David CameronStrike is 'not right' – David Cameron
The prime minister has given his backing to Jeremy Hunt’s handling of the dispute with junior doctors.The prime minister has given his backing to Jeremy Hunt’s handling of the dispute with junior doctors.
He told ITV News:He told ITV News:
There is a good contract on the table with a 13.5% increase in basic pay – 75% of doctors will be better off with this contract.There is a good contract on the table with a 13.5% increase in basic pay – 75% of doctors will be better off with this contract.
It’s the wrong thing to do to go ahead with this strike, and particularly to go ahead with the withdrawal of emergency care – that is not right.It’s the wrong thing to do to go ahead with this strike, and particularly to go ahead with the withdrawal of emergency care – that is not right.
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Doctors on the picket line at Royal Oldham hospital have received a message of support – and some appropriately named chocolates to keep them going – from a local primary school.Doctors on the picket line at Royal Oldham hospital have received a message of support – and some appropriately named chocolates to keep them going – from a local primary school.
Teachers and doctors standing strong together, thank you Knowsley Juniors! @TheBMA @johannmalawana pic.twitter.com/5dTOgFh2E3Teachers and doctors standing strong together, thank you Knowsley Juniors! @TheBMA @johannmalawana pic.twitter.com/5dTOgFh2E3
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This card from a former junior doctor who quit the profession in December – “Couldn’t take it anymore” – was sent to a picket line in central London.This card from a former junior doctor who quit the profession in December – “Couldn’t take it anymore” – was sent to a picket line in central London.
So sad to receive this at St Thomas picket. Thank you so much for the support. #JuniorDoctorsStrike @STRJDC @TheBMA pic.twitter.com/iXHYWYbDpgSo sad to receive this at St Thomas picket. Thank you so much for the support. #JuniorDoctorsStrike @STRJDC @TheBMA pic.twitter.com/iXHYWYbDpg
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Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
Nusiba Taufik, a junior doctor in her first year of training, has been on the picket line outside the Royal Liverpool University hospital during all of the four previous strikes. Frances Perraudin has been talking to her.Nusiba Taufik, a junior doctor in her first year of training, has been on the picket line outside the Royal Liverpool University hospital during all of the four previous strikes. Frances Perraudin has been talking to her.
“It’s taken us a while to get to this point and a lot of us were nervous about the fact that it was a full walk-out, but the consultants reassured us that everyone was going to be safe,” she said.“It’s taken us a while to get to this point and a lot of us were nervous about the fact that it was a full walk-out, but the consultants reassured us that everyone was going to be safe,” she said.
“The strike is only until 5pm, so I’m sure they can hold the reins until then. Obviously they are the most senior doctors in the hospital and they have the most clinical knowledge and management skills, so we were all reassured by that.”“The strike is only until 5pm, so I’m sure they can hold the reins until then. Obviously they are the most senior doctors in the hospital and they have the most clinical knowledge and management skills, so we were all reassured by that.”
Taufik says public support doesn’t seem to have waned at all in Liverpool since the first strike.Taufik says public support doesn’t seem to have waned at all in Liverpool since the first strike.
“There were warnings that it would if we went to a full walkout, but we’ve had loads of members of the public come and visit the picket,” she said. “People in Liverpool are obviously more politically inclined than other parts of the country, but even national opinion polls suggest most of the public still support the strike.”“There were warnings that it would if we went to a full walkout, but we’ve had loads of members of the public come and visit the picket,” she said. “People in Liverpool are obviously more politically inclined than other parts of the country, but even national opinion polls suggest most of the public still support the strike.”
Taufik said she was hoping up until the last minute that the strike would be called off.Taufik said she was hoping up until the last minute that the strike would be called off.
“Yesterday when Hunt came out to do his speech we were all still in work waiting for an announcement, possibly to stop the strike,” she added. “We were all really hoping that it wouldn’t come to this … [Hunt] obviously realises that if we were to have a proper public debate he wouldn’t come out of it very well.”“Yesterday when Hunt came out to do his speech we were all still in work waiting for an announcement, possibly to stop the strike,” she added. “We were all really hoping that it wouldn’t come to this … [Hunt] obviously realises that if we were to have a proper public debate he wouldn’t come out of it very well.”
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William Hill is offering odds of 11-10 that Jeremy Hunt will cease to be in the job before the end of 2016.William Hill is offering odds of 11-10 that Jeremy Hunt will cease to be in the job before the end of 2016.
“Mr Hunt is taking a firm line over the doctors’ strike which could ultimately cost him what he has already called his ‘last big job in politics’,” said the bookmaker’s spokesman, Graham Sharpe.“Mr Hunt is taking a firm line over the doctors’ strike which could ultimately cost him what he has already called his ‘last big job in politics’,” said the bookmaker’s spokesman, Graham Sharpe.
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Damien GayleDamien Gayle
So a lady fell down in front of me in the street and I've had to take her to A&E. Treatment fast and efficient despite #JuniorDoctorsStrikeSo a lady fell down in front of me in the street and I've had to take her to A&E. Treatment fast and efficient despite #JuniorDoctorsStrike
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Alessio Perrone, at Newham hospital, in London, for the Guardian, has been speaking to Eva Tan, a junior doctor for care for the elderly. She said:Alessio Perrone, at Newham hospital, in London, for the Guardian, has been speaking to Eva Tan, a junior doctor for care for the elderly. She said:
I’m a mother, a woman, and I work part-time. I’m already working long hours – often without the time to eat or go to the toilet – without a break. I would be affected greatly [by the new contract].I’m a mother, a woman, and I work part-time. I’m already working long hours – often without the time to eat or go to the toilet – without a break. I would be affected greatly [by the new contract].
People must know that there are still more doctors in hospitals today than during bank holidays. We aren’t covered during annual leave, and hospitals are understaffed. There are more and more gaps in the rotas at Newham general hospital. It’s a big problem. I’ve worked in Germany as well, and there we were always covered.People must know that there are still more doctors in hospitals today than during bank holidays. We aren’t covered during annual leave, and hospitals are understaffed. There are more and more gaps in the rotas at Newham general hospital. It’s a big problem. I’ve worked in Germany as well, and there we were always covered.
If [Jeremy] Hunt wants to have a real seven-day NHS he should improve emergency care. This plan about elective care doesn’t make sense, it wouldn’t have an impact on it.If [Jeremy] Hunt wants to have a real seven-day NHS he should improve emergency care. This plan about elective care doesn’t make sense, it wouldn’t have an impact on it.
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Here is audio of the health secretary on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said that health secretaries are never popular but “what history judges is did you take the tough and difficult decisions that enable the NHS to deliver high quality care for patients”.Here is audio of the health secretary on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said that health secretaries are never popular but “what history judges is did you take the tough and difficult decisions that enable the NHS to deliver high quality care for patients”.
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Some health professionals have responded to a Guardian callout for their views. Here’s a sample of what they said.Some health professionals have responded to a Guardian callout for their views. Here’s a sample of what they said.
Medical HR manager, LancashireMedical HR manager, Lancashire
I think the British Medical Association (BMA) has muddled the dispute with a much broader issue regarding privatisation and funding. Having worked with junior doctors and their contracts for over 20 years, this contract reduces hours universally, provides better safeguards and for those who work the hardest, and offers significant pay increases. The dispute has also been mishandled by Jeremy Hunt, but the Department of Health is right to proceed with the terms, having made concessions along the way, not replicated by the BMA.I think the British Medical Association (BMA) has muddled the dispute with a much broader issue regarding privatisation and funding. Having worked with junior doctors and their contracts for over 20 years, this contract reduces hours universally, provides better safeguards and for those who work the hardest, and offers significant pay increases. The dispute has also been mishandled by Jeremy Hunt, but the Department of Health is right to proceed with the terms, having made concessions along the way, not replicated by the BMA.
Ben Norris, junior doctor, general medicine, south EnglandBen Norris, junior doctor, general medicine, south England
I’m concerned that some of my colleagues joining the strike are doing so without having studied the proposed terms in detail. It’s extremely worrying how many junior doctors I’ve spoken to are either wrong or misinformed about basic aspects of a contract they purport to oppose. I’m also worried. How much further will this go? I cannot countenance an indefinite walkout.I’m concerned that some of my colleagues joining the strike are doing so without having studied the proposed terms in detail. It’s extremely worrying how many junior doctors I’ve spoken to are either wrong or misinformed about basic aspects of a contract they purport to oppose. I’m also worried. How much further will this go? I cannot countenance an indefinite walkout.
District nurse, community, DerbyshireDistrict nurse, community, Derbyshire
Although I may not fully agree with the potential impact on patients (and nurses who will be bearing the weight), they are doing this on principle for the benefit of all NHS staff. If the precedent for reducing unsocial hours is set, it would be catastrophic for nurses – we would see a lot more leave the profession, or their jobs to become agency nurses.Although I may not fully agree with the potential impact on patients (and nurses who will be bearing the weight), they are doing this on principle for the benefit of all NHS staff. If the precedent for reducing unsocial hours is set, it would be catastrophic for nurses – we would see a lot more leave the profession, or their jobs to become agency nurses.
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JK Rowling has backed the striking junior doctors on Twitter:JK Rowling has backed the striking junior doctors on Twitter:
Doctors who have been loyal 2 the NHS for years rather than chase £ abroad don't deserve to be accused of greed. https://t.co/E9oLRyqiaIDoctors who have been loyal 2 the NHS for years rather than chase £ abroad don't deserve to be accused of greed. https://t.co/E9oLRyqiaI
Every doctor I know fears making a mistake above all else. This contract spreads the same resources more thinly. https://t.co/E9oLRyqiaIEvery doctor I know fears making a mistake above all else. This contract spreads the same resources more thinly. https://t.co/E9oLRyqiaI
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Simran Singh, BMA union leader at Newham general hospital, told Alessio Perrone, at the hospital for the Guardian, that only two junior doctors have chosen to work there today.Simran Singh, BMA union leader at Newham general hospital, told Alessio Perrone, at the hospital for the Guardian, that only two junior doctors have chosen to work there today.
Singh said:Singh said:
As far as I’m aware, only two doctors out of over a hundred are choosing to work today.As far as I’m aware, only two doctors out of over a hundred are choosing to work today.
Previous surveys found the strike would have 78% of support, and of the remaining 22% many were on annual leave or emergency cover. I would be enormously surprised if turnout is below 70-80%.Previous surveys found the strike would have 78% of support, and of the remaining 22% many were on annual leave or emergency cover. I would be enormously surprised if turnout is below 70-80%.
Simran Singh, union leader at Newham General Hospital: "only 2 jr doctors chose to work today" #juniordoctorstrike pic.twitter.com/Y3Sf8zkH5GSimran Singh, union leader at Newham General Hospital: "only 2 jr doctors chose to work today" #juniordoctorstrike pic.twitter.com/Y3Sf8zkH5G
A consultant working in acute care, who did not wish her name or her hospital to be identified, told the Guardian’s Aisha Gani that six out of 16 junior doctors had showed up in the department where she was working:A consultant working in acute care, who did not wish her name or her hospital to be identified, told the Guardian’s Aisha Gani that six out of 16 junior doctors had showed up in the department where she was working:
In obstetrics and gynaecology, eight registrars should be here and we have three today. There should be six senior house officers and we have three. We should have two F1 who haven’t turned up. As a result we have seven consultants acting as the juniors and covering emergency work.In obstetrics and gynaecology, eight registrars should be here and we have three today. There should be six senior house officers and we have three. We should have two F1 who haven’t turned up. As a result we have seven consultants acting as the juniors and covering emergency work.
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