Resident doctor rejection of offer bitterly disappointing

Responding to the British Medical Association (BMA) announcing resident doctors have rejected a new offer from the government, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:

“It is bitterly disappointing that the BMA has rejected this offer and chosen to continue with hugely disruptive strikes. These strikes come at the worst possible time, with rapidly rising flu levels putting huge strain on hospitals

“Despite NHS leaders working incredibly hard to prepare for these strikes, we are concerned that if resident doctors walk out during a record flu surge it could put patient safety at risk. We would urge the BMA to recognise these strikes are disproportionate given the generous pay rises resident doctors have already had, call them off and moderate their demands so a solution to this long-running dispute can be found.”