Junior Doctors in Lancashire leaving UK to work abroad
It's as BMA members continue the biggest strike in NHS history
Members of the British Medical Association are expected on the picket line this morning (Tuesday 12th) for the second of a 4-day walkout in a row over pay and working conditions.
The BMA say some of their members who are in their first years as a doctor are paid just £14 per hour.
Junior Doctors can be medical professionals with up to 15 years of experience, and can be anyone yet to reach the consultant level.
We've been speaking to Junior Doctors on the picket line outside Royal Preston Hospital.
Dr. Perry Judd said:
"Look at all the people going to work abroad, or even leave the profession altogether. It's too much! We need to stop it now, so we need to make sure we're valued, we're paid what we're worth and that's why we're here today.
"Most of us have spent 6+ years in university, and you'd like to think there'd be some sort of award at the end of it. One of the other doctors on my wards has just gone to Canada because he says there's better wages over there. Someone else from the ward went t Australia a few months ago. The Job's only getting harder and there's less of an incentive to do it.
Dr. Jonathan Evans said:
"Personally, I've seen many many colleagues move away and I think the NHS's future is dependant on staff staying in the UK for the NHS to be a good place to work.
"We've got to keep our best and brightest coming in to being doctors and pay and conditions is a part of that. If there is a massive appeal to move abroad because of pay and working conditions, that's always going to be a driver.
Dr Jennifer Barclay, a surgical doctor in the North West, said:
"There is nothing "junior" about the work I have done as a doctor.
"I'll be trying to focus on steady, controlled hand movements, thinking about the next steps and communicating with the rest of the team.
"Meanwhile, my bleep is going off incessantly in the background with more and more patients waiting to be seen as soon as I get out of theatre.
"For that hour of work that might save a life I can be paid £19.
"I haven't had time to eat or nip to the loo and I know I'll be in theatre for around an hour.
"I want the doctors treating my loved ones to be well rested and able to provide the best care possible.
"I don't want them to be burnt out, worried about paying the bills or up to £100,000 of debt or thinking about alternative careers whilst making life and death decisions.