Junior physicians’ choice to prolong their mandate for strike action may cause more disruptions to Harrogate District Hospital for up to six months.
Junior doctors have been on strike for more than a year over salary, and this week, 98% of British Medical Association union members supported more walkouts, with 62% of participants.
Junior physicians at the Lancaster Park Road hospital most recently organised two distinct walk-outs, one from January 3–9 and the other from December 20–23.
The CEO of the Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust said that the strikes had a “draining impact.”
Junior physicians comprise about half of the medical workforce in England. They are trained physicians undergoing clinical training.
According to the BMA, although waiting lists and workload are at all-time highs, compensation has essentially reduced by around 25% since 2008.
The union is asking the government for a 35% pay rise, but health ministers have described the demands as unreasonable.
A spokesperson for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the hospital hopes a deal can be reached before future strikes take place.
They said:
Although we applaud the BMA junior doctors’ decision to extend their mandate for industrial action, we hope that productive talks between the BMA and the government can result in a resolution before more strikes are called for.
In the event that there is more industrial action, we will keep an eye on the situation and take necessary measures to keep our patients safe, minimise any negative effects on their care, and maintain regular emergency services.
We respect our employees and are aware that junior physicians do not wish to go on strike. We’re hoping for quick progress so we can keep concentrating on providing top-notch treatment to everyone who need it.
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