← Back to news

Health

Cheltenham A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

Cheltenham A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off
Source image: BBC News Health ↗

FULL ARTICLE · BBC News Health

The NHS trust said in a statement: "While this late change means some disruption to services is unavoidable, we are working quickly to restore services wherever possible."

Patients are advised to attend as planned unless contacted directly.

Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctor committee, said: "All we have asked for is a fair offer that secures enough jobs to tackle the madness of doctor unemployment and take steps to address the erosion of our pay.

"Tens of thousands of frontline doctors will now vote in a referendum on whether this offer is sufficient."

"Doctors will now have their say. If they say no to this offer we will have to continue our plans for further escalated action across next month."

Health Secretary James Murray said the new offer was a "chance to draw a line under the damaging disputes of recent years".

He added: "The country simply cannot afford to increase the pay offer for this year. I am pleased that the BMA have recognised this, which has allowed us to make progress in other areas, such as training places and working conditions."

The walkout had been due to run from 07:00 on Monday until 06:59 on Friday. It would have been the 16th in the long-running dispute over pay.

SOURCE

Original publication

Read at BBC News Health ↗