NHS Under Strain: Junior Doctor Contracts
In the midst of all this uncertainty over 'Brexit' and what it means for both the UK and other EU countries, there is another uncertainty plaguing the thousands of junior doctors currently working in the NHS (and once again, like 'Brexit' it mainly concerns NHS England - NHS Scotland and Wales have said they will not be imposing the contract on their junior doctors). The Conservative Party last year won an election, with one of their pledges being a '7-day NHS'. Not long after they came to power newly appointed Secretary of Health, Jeremy Hunt, unveiled a dramatic overhaul of the junior doctor contract which sparked months protests and negotiations leading to a vote, set to end tomorrow.
So what does the new contract propose?
In the original contract tabled by the Secretary of Health, he proposed removal of fines on hospitals which overwork junior doctors, a decrease in pay to doctors working unfavourable hours (typically weekends and evenings) and an increase in the 'normal hours' of the NHS (7am till 10pm Monday to Saturday). Later the government released its equality impact assessment which recognised that the new contract would also disadvantage women (in particular those considering motherhood). In response to these changes the BMA (British Medical Association) balloted its members for industrial action, arguing that the increase in working hours, would lead to an overall pay cut (despite the increase in basic pay in the new contract).
Despite the BMA and junior doctors rallying for a change in the terms, the Department of Health refused to change their position over compensation for longer hours, which led to a BMA strike ballot poll which showed 99.4% of junior doctors were in favour of industrial action short of a strike, and 98% voting for a full strike, based on a turnout of 76%. After the results BMA council chair Dr Mark Porter urged the government to enter negotiations again facilitated by ACAS.
None of this eased the situation which culminated in the first walk-out in the NHS occurring on January 12 seeing junior doctors only covering emergency care. Meanwhile polls shows massive support for the junior doctors by the public with 64% blaming the government for the contract dispute with Hunt becoming the most disliked frontline British politician in February. With neither side giving in the BMA announced and carried out a full walkout including emergency care on the 26th and 27th of April. Finally on the 5th of May the government annouced it was once again willing to return to the table for negotiations and a deal was announced on 18th of May which now faces approval from members of the BMA.
So why does this matter?
Sine June 17th junior doctors working in England, and final year medics who are set to join the NHS in August, have been voting on the terms of the new agreement reached with the government. The new terms set out a fairer balance between genders by the start of the accelerated training support program to help those who take time out for reasons such as maternity can catch up with their colleagues. It also included pay protection for those who choose to re-train and introduced working guardians to oversee the employers performance on diversity and inclusion. A full conclusive list of changes can be found on the BMA website here.
The vote on these terms is set to close today, at 4pm, with results being announced next week. What the results will show is whether junior doctors in this country still have faith in the government, and whether these changes are enough grounds gained. It is also particularly important to show morality in junior doctors in the NHS, who are there future of this service, as during the past year many have been disheartened by the actions of the government, and have even gone as far as to explore options of moving to different countries (Australia being a popular destination).
However the result of this poll could not come at a worse time. The leading party in power is embroiled in a leadership contest, as is the opposition which will dampen efforts to return to talks with them. Factor in the uncertainty of 'Brexit' it can be assumed that these contracts will be pushed to the back of the agenda for the government, and will presumably go into effect in August on all junior doctors currently working in NHS England.
While there are slim chances that next week will show a definitive answer or plan to 'Brexit, or an end to the political turmoil in the UK right now, it could bring a clear decisive answer to the future of the NHS, as the 'referendum' on its future draws to a close.
So what does the new contract propose?
In the original contract tabled by the Secretary of Health, he proposed removal of fines on hospitals which overwork junior doctors, a decrease in pay to doctors working unfavourable hours (typically weekends and evenings) and an increase in the 'normal hours' of the NHS (7am till 10pm Monday to Saturday). Later the government released its equality impact assessment which recognised that the new contract would also disadvantage women (in particular those considering motherhood). In response to these changes the BMA (British Medical Association) balloted its members for industrial action, arguing that the increase in working hours, would lead to an overall pay cut (despite the increase in basic pay in the new contract).
Despite the BMA and junior doctors rallying for a change in the terms, the Department of Health refused to change their position over compensation for longer hours, which led to a BMA strike ballot poll which showed 99.4% of junior doctors were in favour of industrial action short of a strike, and 98% voting for a full strike, based on a turnout of 76%. After the results BMA council chair Dr Mark Porter urged the government to enter negotiations again facilitated by ACAS.
So why does this matter?
Sine June 17th junior doctors working in England, and final year medics who are set to join the NHS in August, have been voting on the terms of the new agreement reached with the government. The new terms set out a fairer balance between genders by the start of the accelerated training support program to help those who take time out for reasons such as maternity can catch up with their colleagues. It also included pay protection for those who choose to re-train and introduced working guardians to oversee the employers performance on diversity and inclusion. A full conclusive list of changes can be found on the BMA website here.
The vote on these terms is set to close today, at 4pm, with results being announced next week. What the results will show is whether junior doctors in this country still have faith in the government, and whether these changes are enough grounds gained. It is also particularly important to show morality in junior doctors in the NHS, who are there future of this service, as during the past year many have been disheartened by the actions of the government, and have even gone as far as to explore options of moving to different countries (Australia being a popular destination).
However the result of this poll could not come at a worse time. The leading party in power is embroiled in a leadership contest, as is the opposition which will dampen efforts to return to talks with them. Factor in the uncertainty of 'Brexit' it can be assumed that these contracts will be pushed to the back of the agenda for the government, and will presumably go into effect in August on all junior doctors currently working in NHS England.
While there are slim chances that next week will show a definitive answer or plan to 'Brexit, or an end to the political turmoil in the UK right now, it could bring a clear decisive answer to the future of the NHS, as the 'referendum' on its future draws to a close.
Comments
Post a Comment