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18/09/2023
BMA Meets With MLAs On Junior Doctor Issues
The British Medical Association (BMA) has made it clear to MLA's that "juniors are now at a tipping point" unless action is taken to change their working conditions.
Meeting with health spokespeople from the main political parties, the BMA said they outlined "the dire state of workplace conditions, training, rotas and pay for junior doctors working in Northern Ireland".
As the BMA presented the results from their recent survey of junior doctors, politicians were "quite shocked".
In a statement, the BMA stated "the culmination of years of pay erosion, decreasing quality of training, an outdated contract and woefully inadequate facilities has created such widespread levels of low morale and burnout".
The medical association said: "We made it clear that juniors are now at a tipping point and ready to act unless something is done as a matter of urgency, by those with the power to address these issues. We told them that Northern Ireland is no longer an attractive place to train and work as a junior doctor, there are better and higher levels of pay, training quality and work/life balance elsewhere in the UK and other countries and this is making many of us seriously consider leaving."
Although devolution is currently absent, the BMA said the following actions could be taken by political parties to support junior doctors.
• Paying the DDRB uplift of 6% in a timely manner.
• Getting health trusts to fully implement BMA fatigue and facilities charter to enhance safe working conditions for juniors.
• Put pressure on the Department of Health to act on the promised review of the Single lead employer to ensure it is properly resourced.
• Support us in asking for a reformed junior doctor contract that addresses pay, workplace protections, working hours, facilities and recognition and access to training.
• For them to publicly support us in stating their commitment to full pay restoration for Junior doctors, as has happened in Scotland and Wales.
Meeting with health spokespeople from the main political parties, the BMA said they outlined "the dire state of workplace conditions, training, rotas and pay for junior doctors working in Northern Ireland".
As the BMA presented the results from their recent survey of junior doctors, politicians were "quite shocked".
In a statement, the BMA stated "the culmination of years of pay erosion, decreasing quality of training, an outdated contract and woefully inadequate facilities has created such widespread levels of low morale and burnout".
The medical association said: "We made it clear that juniors are now at a tipping point and ready to act unless something is done as a matter of urgency, by those with the power to address these issues. We told them that Northern Ireland is no longer an attractive place to train and work as a junior doctor, there are better and higher levels of pay, training quality and work/life balance elsewhere in the UK and other countries and this is making many of us seriously consider leaving."
Although devolution is currently absent, the BMA said the following actions could be taken by political parties to support junior doctors.
• Paying the DDRB uplift of 6% in a timely manner.
• Getting health trusts to fully implement BMA fatigue and facilities charter to enhance safe working conditions for juniors.
• Put pressure on the Department of Health to act on the promised review of the Single lead employer to ensure it is properly resourced.
• Support us in asking for a reformed junior doctor contract that addresses pay, workplace protections, working hours, facilities and recognition and access to training.
• For them to publicly support us in stating their commitment to full pay restoration for Junior doctors, as has happened in Scotland and Wales.
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NI hospitals unlikely to meet junior doctors' hours deadline
Hospitals who fail to recognise new contractual rights for junior doctors are risking possible legal action, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned today. This Friday, limits on hours, minimum rest requirements and acceptable standards of accommodation, agreed over ten years ago, will become a contractual right for all junior doctors.
15 September 2023
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
