Former health minister and Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb has said that the key problem in the dispute between junior doctors and the government over new contracts is down to a “chronic financial crisis” in the NHS.
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The first walkout is due to take place between 8am and 5pm on 12-16 September, with further dates to be confirmed.
Today Jeremy Hunt said the renewed strike action was “devastating” and would cause absolute misery for patients.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I think it’s very concerning – we’re talking about five days in September, which is just 12 days’ notice to prepare, which is the shortest time we’ve ever had to prepare, and then we’re talking about four sets of five days of strikes”.
The Patients Association’s chief executive, Katherine Murphy, said it was “gravely troubled” at the “catastrophic impact this will have on so many patients and their families” as winter approaches.
Earlier this year the trade union had reached agreement with the government on conditions in the contract and had urged junior doctors to accept its terms, but 58 percent of the 68 percent turnout of junior doctors voted against it.
At a visit to the Jaguar Land Rover assembly plant in Solihull Mrs May said Jeremy Hunt has been an “excellent Health Secretary” and that the contract is about a deal that is safe for patients.
“We should not lose sight of the underlying reason for this dispute, namely this government’s determination to be the first country in the world to offer a proper patient-focused 7 day health service”.
It has been claimed that it was a very close call by the BMA to back the strike plans. “That, to me, is playing politics”.
They contend the contract cuts their pay and argue the health service already runs seven days a week, and say budget cuts have stretched the NHS dangerously thin.
“Ultimately industrial action will cause great disruption to so many patients, including people who have been waiting a long time for appointments and operations”.
Junior doctors are planning escalated industrial action unless the government stops the imposition of the new contract and agrees to further negotiation. We recognise their legitimate concerns on a range of issues and their right to negotiate any contractual changes.
He added: “The first priority must be to protect patients from harm”.
And the concern over cancelled operations was shared by the patients association.
Junior doctors want Mr Hunt to put plans to impose a new contract on hold while talks are held on the detail.
He said: “It is simply astounding that on the day Theresa May walked into Number 10 one of the first decisions she made was to keep Jeremy Hunt in post”.
“Given the intransigence of the Government, this decision was always likely”, she said.
“The NHS is only as strong as the morale of its staff”.
Hunt has also come under criticism as their are rumours he has been given the green-light to begin a huge privatisation programme across the NHS, which many fear could the beginning of the end for universal free health care.
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Shadow health secretary Diane Abbott said Mr Hunt should “scrap” the contract and re-enter talks with junior doctors.
