Junior doctors: Would you sign the new contract imposed by Jeremy Hunt?

THE county’s junior doctors have been left distraught after Ministers announced today they will impose a controversial new contract on them.

He said there was a “patent unfairness” to the existing contract but progress in reforming it had been “slow”.

– Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Trust cancelled four operations, four day cases, 13 pre-operative assessments, and 179 outpatient clinic appointments. “I believe the new offer is fair and safe for doctors, and patients”.

Claire Murdoch, head of the Central and North West London NHS FT, said she was not even aware that her name was on the letter until it was published, and immediately asked for it to be removed. However, he pointed out that “the BMA proved ultimately unwilling to do that”.

“I have therefore today chose to that”.

The Government’s chief negotiator, Sir David Dalton, has written to Mr Hunt that the negotiations have reached the “end of the road”.

Jeremy Hunt’s decision Thursday comes after the junior doctors rejected the Conservative government’s final offer.

Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, described industrial action as “a resounding rejection of the Government’s threat to impose an unfair contract, in which junior doctors have no confidence”.

“We will monitor the situation across the country to ensure plans are in place, and people are ready to respond to any significant increases in pressure in any region over the period of this strike”.

And nearly 90 percent of junior doctors said they would consider resigning from the NHS if the government does so, according to a poll of more than 1,000 medics seen exclusively by The Independent, highlighting the strength of opposition to the proposals.

The second day of strike was agreed after contract talks ended without agreement with only emergency care provided by junior doctors during the day. The main point of dispute between doctors and the government is over whether Saturday should be classed and paid as a normal working day.

The new contract proposes an 11 per cent rise in basic pay for junior doctors.

The Government says this will improve care at the weekends and evenings but junior doctors worry that it will affect patient safety by encouraging unsafe shift patterns, and also that doctors who work the very longest hours will lose out financially.

They will provide emergency care only during the 24-hour walkout.