Despite the British Medical Association supporting the action, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AOMRC) said it was “disappointed” and the proposed strikes were disproportionate.
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In a statement, the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges said that, while it acknowledged “genuine concerns” about the new contracts, it did not consider the proposed strike action to be “proportionate”.
Chief executive of Nuffield Trust Nigel Edwards said the strikes could have a long-term impact on hospital funding, which could be cut because of cancellations.
May called the contract safe, and said she backs Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has been vilified by the doctors.
“We believe that progress was made during talks in May, so we are calling for the government to lift the imposition and restart meaningful talks to agree a contract that is adequately funded, fit for goal, delivers for patients and has the confidence of the profession”.
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of NHS Employers, part of the Government’s negotiating team, said: “The BMA’s claim that further strike action is necessary because the Government has refused to provide detail over seven day services simply doesn’t stack up”.
Junior doctors plan a series of five day strikes over the coming months which senior doctors said will put patients’ lives at risk.
No figures are yet available for likely numbers affected in the North East but hospitals will be alerting patients as soon as their contingency plans – with patient safety at the top of the agenda – are complete.
Junior doctors will stage additional full walkouts between 8am and 5pm on October 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11, November 14 to 18 and December 5 to 9.
Despite this, the government is refusing to acknowledge junior doctors’ concerns and is continuing with plans to impose the contract in October.
A Department of Health spokesperson said in a statement: “As doctors’ representatives, the BMA should be putting patients first not playing politics in a way that will be immensely damaging for vulnerable patients”.
Voters aged 55 or over are opposed to the strikes by 53% to 47%, though there is stronger support for the junior doctors’ position among younger voters.
A staggering half a million operations could be cancelled in the wave of strikes planned by doctors, health service chiefs warned yesterday.
He added: “I have to say it beggars belief that we can be accused of playing politics in this when the stated reason of the Government proceeding is that it was in their party manifesto”.
Despite the BMA recommending acceptance, the deal was rejected by junior doctors in a ballot by 58% to 42%.
Ellen McCourt, the BMA’s junior doctors chair said: “During a special meeting of the BMA Council, it has been decided that junior doctors in England will take further industrial action, from September”.
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“We want to resolve this dispute through talks, but in forcing through a contract that junior doctors have rejected and which they don’t believe is good for their patients or themselves, the Government has left them with no other choice”, she added.
