Junior doctors at Croydon University Hospital “remain hopeful” that Jeremy Hunt will listen to their concerns over the imposition of a new contract after fresh talks were announced this week.
The British Medical Association (BMA) re-entered talks with government after the health secretary offered a pause on the introduction of the contracts if the union agreed to come back to the negotiation table.
Writing to the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on Thursday, Mr Hunt said the Department of Health remained committed to the August introduction of the contract but was willing to listen to doctors.
RELATED: Jeremy Hunt offers pause on junior doctors contract imposition
The academy had earlier called for a five-day pause on the government’s imposition of a new junior doctors contract to allow for fresh talks.
Chris Honstvet, a trainee anaesthetist at Croydon University Hospital, said: “You’ve got to remain hopeful that actually we can discuss it.
“It isn’t just about Saturday pay, it is about the discrimination against women and families and those doctors that work as non-residents on calls as well who have been really screwed over by this contract, so I am hoping that he will discuss all these things because nobody wants to strike again.
"This is an opportunity for both the BMA and the government to present both sides of the argument and come up with something that is safe and fair for all doctors"
Mr Honstvet said further strike action could go ahead if the negotiations fail, adding: “[The health secretary] is still trying to drag it back to being about pay when it is not, he is still trying to say this is all about Saturday working when it is not, based on past experience everyone is rightfully mistrustful of this man.
“I am hopeful but I think [further strike action] probably is on the cards judging by just what he has been saying.”
Under the contracts junior doctors will get an increase in their basic pay, but will have to work more weekends. Guaranteed pay rises linked to time in the job will be axed and bonus pay for working unsociable hours will be curbed.
The BMA last month staged unprecedented strike action including the withdrawal of emergency cover in its long-running dispute with the government.
Announcing the decision to re-enter talks the union’s junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana said: “The BMA will also call for any contract offer – agreed or not – to be put to a referendum of junior doctors, as is usual following a contract negotiation.”
In his letter to the academy, Mr Hunt wrote: “This is a significant show of good faith by the government in order to break the deadlock.”
RELATED: Jeremy Hunt accused of "bullying approach" in decision to force junior doctor contracts
Prior to the April 26 and 27 strikes, Mr Hunt refused to re-enter negotiations despite the BMA saying it would call off the strike if further talks were held. The union has held three strikes since Mr Hunt announced he would impose the new contract by August.
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