Why doctors are striking … again
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This episode is titled:
Why doctors are striking … again
Notable Quotes
"It's damaging to the doctors. It's damaging to the profession. Most importantly, it's damaging to patients."
"The public's great staunch support for and trust in doctors generally, is now in peril."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, the focus is on the upcoming five-day strike planned by resident doctors in England, starting July 25, 2023. Doctors are seeking a 29% pay increase, arguing that their salaries have not kept pace with inflation and have diminished significantly since 2008. The British Medical Association (BMA) supports this strike, while the health secretary, Wes Streeting, attempts to negotiate a resolution amid a backdrop of concerns regarding public support and the impact of the strikes on NHS services.
Various voices from the medical community express a spectrum of opinions on the strike. Some doctors support the action citing student debt and job pressures, while others worry about the ethical implications of striking on patient care. Past strikes have already led to millions of lost appointments and significant public expense, raising doubts about the timing of further industrial action so soon after a previous agreement that awarded doctors a 22% pay rise.
Public opinion appears to be turning against doctors, with recent polls indicating a decline in support for their demands, leading to concerns among some doctors that their actions might erode the historically high trust the public has placed in the medical profession. The episode explores the complexities surrounding medical pay and worker rights within the context of an overstretched NHS, while also considering the potential political fallout for the Labour government if the situation remains unresolved.
Various voices from the medical community express a spectrum of opinions on the strike. Some doctors support the action citing student debt and job pressures, while others worry about the ethical implications of striking on patient care. Past strikes have already led to millions of lost appointments and significant public expense, raising doubts about the timing of further industrial action so soon after a previous agreement that awarded doctors a 22% pay rise.
Public opinion appears to be turning against doctors, with recent polls indicating a decline in support for their demands, leading to concerns among some doctors that their actions might erode the historically high trust the public has placed in the medical profession. The episode explores the complexities surrounding medical pay and worker rights within the context of an overstretched NHS, while also considering the potential political fallout for the Labour government if the situation remains unresolved.
Key Takeaways
- Resident doctors are set to strike for five days starting July 25, 2023, demanding a 29% pay increase.
- Public support for the strikes is declining, with concerns about the impact on patient care and NHS services.
- The BMA argues that physicians should not have to face real-term pay erosion, while some doctors and the public find the demands excessive.
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