The junior doctors’ strike scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 1 December) has been called off at the last minute.
But patients from Brighton and Hove are expected to miss out on operations having been told that they were cancelled. The same applies to outpatient appointments.
The Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust website had not been updated this evening. The trust runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Its website said: “Junior doctors will be on strike from 8am on Tuesday 1 December until 8am on Wednesday 2 December.
“Some elective surgery and outpatient appointments have been cancelled and rescheduled but if you haven’t heard from us please assume your appointment will go ahead as planned.”
The arbitration service ACAS said this evening (Monday 30 November): “Following productive talks under the auspices of ACAS, the BMA, NHS Employers and the Department of Health are all agreed that a return to direct and meaningful negotiations in relation to a new contract for junior doctors is the right way forward.
“We intend to reach a collaborative agreement, working in partnership to produce a new contract for junior doctors, recognising their central role in patient care and the future of the NHS.
“All parties are committed to reaching an agreement that improves safety for patients and doctors and therefore NHS Employers have agreed to extend the timeframe for the BMA to commence any industrial action by four weeks to 13 January 2016 at 5pm to allow negotiations to progress.
“Within that timetable, the BMA agrees to temporarily suspend its proposed strike action and the Department of Health agrees similarly to temporarily suspend implementation of a contract without agreement.
“All parties acknowledge that they share responsibility for the safety of patients and junior doctors, which must be paramount.
“In reaching this agreement to return to negotiations the BMA acknowledge the wish of NHS Employers and the Department of Health to agree and implement a new contract without undue delay.
“All sides wish to achieve a contractual framework that provides fair reward and a safe working environment for junior doctors throughout the week.
“Note: for the purposes of this agreement, NHS Employers is acting on behalf of all employers of junior doctors.”
All this could have been avoided if Jeremy hunt agreed to drop the imposition threat sooner or agreed to ACAS sooner.
His last minute agreement is the reason for cancellation of ops and appointments. Now let’s hope for a safe and fair contract.