Caroline has backed Junior Doctors in their decision to go on strike. She claims that the 'Government’s intransigence has left junior doctors at the end of their tether'. Caroline tabled an Early Day Motion on the issue earlier this month which now has over 100 signatories (including an SNP amendment). [1]

Caroline said:

“I support the junior doctors’ action because a rested and fairly paid NHS workforce, is essential to sustain high clinical standards and patient safety.

“This strike has come about because Jeremy Hunt is refusing to drop his threat to impose his new contract on junior doctors.

“I know from the doctors in my constituency that they take the Hippocratic Oath extremely seriously.  They have, reluctantly, been forced to strike because they are not being heard. They have been telling the Health Secretary that this contract change is not just unfair on them but potentially unsafe for patients too. That’s why many consultants are backing the junior doctors too.

“If this unfair contract is imposed, I fear even more NHS trained doctors are likely to leave for places like Australia where they feel more valued.

 Today’s junior doctors are tomorrow’s leaders of the NHS, yet this Government’s intransigence has left junior doctors at the end of their tether. I hope that the Government now drops the threat of imposing these contracts and sits down with the BMA to find a solution that delivers the fairness vital to patient safety.”

ENDS

[1]  http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/539 

Contact: Matthew Butcher on 07885 459 904