Doctor strikes: East Mids BMA rep says NHS 'may not exist in 10 years'
It's the second day of junior doctor strikes
Junior doctors in Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland are mounting picket lines again today after launching a three-day strike over pay amid warnings of an exodus of staff because of "unbearable" working conditions in the NHS.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are taking industrial action across England as the long-running row looks further away than ever from being resolved.
The BMA has urged the Prime Minister to get involved in talks but it was made clear he is not going to intervene.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay wrote to the BMA "replying on the Prime Minister's behalf".
He said: "If you show a willingness to move from your unreasonable position of pay rises of 35% this year, or at least 49% next year, and agreed to pause strikes, I would be ready to continue talks.
"That position remains. If you pause strikes, both ongoing and planned, and show willingness to move significantly, then I will be willing to meet you and the junior doctors committee at your earliest convenience.
"It is only by negotiating in good faith and seeking a reasonable outcome together that we will resolve this dispute."
"Every time that we are forced into striking, it feels like a wrench and it’s hard"
There is no sign of the BMA changing its demand for a pay rise to make up for a decade of wages falling further behind inflation.
A survey by the BMA revealed that many junior doctors are planning to quit their jobs over pay and staffing issues.
Dr Becky Acres is a junior doctor and the chair of the BMA for the East Midlands Regional Council.
“I want the government to pay us in the way we were paid in 2008, I don’t think we are worth less than the people who were doing our jobs then.”
“Our jobs have only got harder, the number of patients has gone up…I think that valuing doctors in a monetory sense is only part of valuing them in general.
“No doctor wants to leave their patient, it’s not what we signed up to do, it’s not what we’re here for.
“Every time that we are forced into striking, it feels like a wrench and it’s hard. Every single time it’s a difficult ethical decision for us.”
Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said: "Trust leaders have had to manage a demanding start to what was already going to be a very tough week involving strikes.
"In the days leading up to this walkout, a number of emergency departments were under significant pressure with several reporting record attendances.
"One trust saw over 1,000 people present across their two emergency departments in just one day - hundreds more patients above what's usually considered very high.
"Minor injuries units have also been under stress, with lots of patients with respiratory issues amid rising pollen and pollution levels, as well as dehydration due to the heat.
"We cannot go on like this. We urge the Government and unions to re-enter negotiations so we can put an end to this disruption and focus on treating patients.”