Junior doctors in Shropshire will increase pressure on the government over controversial new contracts with further strike action from this morning.
Across the country Junior doctors will walk out on a 48-hour strike from 8am today until 8am on Friday in a dispute over a new contract proposed by health secretary Jeremy Hunt.
It is the fourth time this year that doctors have taken strike action over the new contract that would see the removal of safeguards that prevent them from being overworked.
Leaders of the BMA have also launched a judicial review against Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s decision to impose the contract – which the union says will cause unfair working conditions for the junior doctors.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust say that they have worked hard to minimise any disruption for patients.
Debbie Kadum, Chief Operating Officer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: “As with the previous periods of industrial action, we have once again worked hard to ensure that we have plans in place to minimise any disruption for our patients and that we support our staff during this time.
“Throughout this national dispute, our discussions with the BMA and our junior doctors have been positive and we are all clear that we will work together to ensure patient safety.
“Whilst the impact on our patients has so far been relatively low, we know that any disruption can be inconvenient so, as with previous industrial action, we have taken steps to ensure that any patient affected has been notified and apologise for the inconvenience this might cause. Unless you have been contacted in advance, please assume that your appointment is going ahead as planned.
“Once again, we would like to remind people to ensure they are prepared for any disruption this industrial action may cause.
“If you have regular medication, make sure you have collected your prescription from the GP in plenty of time and have been to the pharmacist to collect it so that you have it to hand.
“If you feel unwell contact your GP or pharmacist, or contact NHS111 for advice. Additionally the Stay Well website at http://www.nhs.uk/staywell/ contains advice on the best services for you or your family.
“Your local pharmacy can offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.”
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