Doctors' strike '˜irresponsible' - Worthing West MP

This week's doctors' strike is '˜irresponsible and unnecessary', according to Worthing West's MP.
Sir Peter Bottomley pictured last yearSir Peter Bottomley pictured last year
Sir Peter Bottomley pictured last year

The latest case of industrial action in a dispute between junior doctors and the Government over new contracts ended this morning (Friday April 8).

While emergency care was still provided as usual in England, a number of operations across the NHS had to be cancelled.

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Sir Peter Bottomley, Worthing West MP, said: “Today, Friday 8 April, this week’s unnecessary strike by junior doctors will come to an end.

Junior doctors' strike outside Worthing HospitalJunior doctors' strike outside Worthing Hospital
Junior doctors' strike outside Worthing Hospital

“We have together achieve the clear commitment to deliver a truly seven-day NHS so that patients can access world-class healthcare wherever and whenever they need it.

“This strike was irresponsible and disproportionate, with almost 25,000 operations cancelled nationally.

“I am glad patients are not suffering in Worthing.

“When visiting a friend yesterday in Worthing Hospital I thanked the care-giving team for all they do together.

Junior doctors' strike outside Worthing HospitalJunior doctors' strike outside Worthing Hospital
Junior doctors' strike outside Worthing Hospital
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“If the BMA [British Medical Association] had agreed to negotiate on Saturday pay, as they promised to do through ACAS in November over five months ago, there would be a negotiated agreement by now.

“The strike is over a contract that was 90 per cent agreed with the BMA and has been endorsed by senior NHS leaders.

“The new contract is fair for junior doctors and safer for patients. It includes an average 13.5 per cent basic pay rise to make up for the changes in premium arrangements.

“It will bring down the maximum number of hours doctors can work.

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“The doctors concerned can look at the detail of the contract. Patients can call on the BMA to cancel their plans to escalate strike action even further.”

When the latest strike started on Wednesday morning parents and their children stood side by side with junior doctors protesting outside Worthing Hospital armed with signs and banners which said ‘we love our NHS’ and ‘junior doctors win my vote’.

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