"I am a Labour prime minister who believes in workers' right to strike. But let's be clear about the strikes planned by resident doctors next week. They should not happen. They are reckless. They place the NHS and patients who need it in grave danger. I remain hopeful they can be averted. A good deal is on the table, and the British Medical Association (BMA) is putting it to members this weekend. My message to the doctors is simple take it."
"We are offering legislation that will prioritise British medical graduates for speciality training jobs starting next year. We will boost the number of places by 4,000, giving new hope to doctors without a job next year. And we have offered to cover the costs of other training expenses such as royal college membership and exam fees. But we also made another offer to the BMA leadership: the chance to extend their mandate so strikes could be rescheduled for after Christmas if our offer was rejected."
Resident doctor strikes are judged reckless and capable of placing the NHS and patients in grave danger during a severe flu epidemic. A comprehensive offer includes a 28.9% pay increase over three years, record investment in the NHS, and measures to cut waiting times. The proposal would prioritise British medical graduates for speciality training next year, add 4,000 training places, and cover costs such as royal college membership and exam fees. An option was also offered to extend the BMA mandate so strikes could be rescheduled after Christmas if members reject the deal. Hospital bed occupancy from flu has risen sharply, creating a precarious situation for services.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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