Junior Doctors in England Strike for the First Time in 40 Years

The UK government has announced the imposition a new junior doctor contract in England. Related negotiations between the British Medical Association and government representatives about a new junior doctors contract started in in 2013. These negotiations failed to reassure doctors, who were concerned about risks to their welfare, patient safety, and the future of England's National Health Service. With the impending imposition of the new contract, and lack of progress, junior doctors felt the risks of striking had fallen below those of inaction. Hence, the first strike staged by the English medical workforce for 40 years occurred in January 2016. This strike has been followed by subsequent strikes, with a full strike that will also include withdrawal of emergency care due to take place on 26-27 April 2016.

Read more in the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management.

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