In the wake of today’s vote by doctors in training (junior doctors) for industrial action, the Hospital Consultants & Specialists Association, the UK’s only trade union and professional association dedicated solely to hospital doctors, has issued the following statement:
HCSA general secretary Eddie Saville said: “We understand the frustration of junior doctors and their feeling that there is no alternative to taking action. Today’s overwhelming support for industrial action reflects a groundswell of opinion that cannot be ignored.
“In the event of any industrial action HCSA members will be working in hospitals to ensure the continuity of emergency care – our priority will be to ensure high-quality care for those patients who need it the most.”
“Our primary concern, as hospital consultants, is for the future of patient care in the NHS.
“We’ve said all along that a fair deal for doctors in training will respect safety, fairness and work-life balance.
“That means proper protections for junior doctors against overwork, excessive hours or staff shortages, and a pay and career structure that retains and attracts future generations of consultants.
“We do not believe that a good deal for our NHS can be achieved through the imposition of a new contract. Ultimately only a negotiated settlement will lead to an outcome that enshrines these principles.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
For press requests contact Richard Bagley on 07711 405128 or Eddie Saville on 07714 748 528.
Download the HCSA position on A Fair Deal for Doctors in Training at /media/42181/HCSA-A4-flyer-junior-doctors.pdf
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About the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association
The Hospital Consultants & Specialists Association is the only professional association and trade union dedicated solely to hospital doctors. Formed in 1948, it represents and advises hospital consultants, staff and associate specialist doctors and specialist/specialty trainee registrars in the UK, both in the NHS and Private Sectors.