Following the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s statement to the House of Commons today confirming the imposition of the new junior doctors contract, Andrea Jenkyns MP. Chair of the APPG on Patient Safety and member of the Health Select Committee said:
“I fully support Jeremy Hunt on his decision to impose the new junior doctors contract which will guarantee better patient safety and conditions for doctors.
“The Government has always been willing to negotiate with the British Medical Association, who have time and time again walked away from the table.
“This new contract will ensure doctors working fewer hours, with no doctor rostered on consecutive weekends. It will also guarantee a basic pay rise for all junior doctors, as well as bringing their hours in line with other essential services and make them more suitable for a modern, responsive health service.
“We must not forget that doctors work for the public, and this contract will mean more people will be able to access the services they need.
“The Government was happy to hold a dialogue with the doctors. The BMA was unwilling to do this, putting their political, strike agenda over what was best for patients.”
Please direct all media enquiries to Archie Macleod on 0207 219 4010, 07554 442109 or [email protected].