Menu
21/06/2012
Doctors Take First Industrial Action In Almost 40 Years
As doctors hold their first industrial dispute for nearly 40 years, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has condemned then for "penalising" patients in their pensions dispute.
Industrial action got under way at midnight with doctors across the UK boycotting non-urgent care.
Routine hospital appointments and non-emergency operations are being targeted while GPs are also taking part.
Mr Lansley said doctors were wrong to hit patient care, although the extent of the disruption is not yet clear.
He said the British Medical Association - the doctors' trade union - had failed to recognise economic and political realities.
Adding: "I can't see why anybody thinks there is any benefit in penalising patients. It won't serve any purpose whatsoever."
How much patients are affected, however, will depend on the number of doctors taking part and how rigorously they enforce the action.
Ahead of the action, some hospitals were saying fewer than 10% of bookings had been cancelled because doctors were still prepared to see patients.
(H)
Industrial action got under way at midnight with doctors across the UK boycotting non-urgent care.
Routine hospital appointments and non-emergency operations are being targeted while GPs are also taking part.
Mr Lansley said doctors were wrong to hit patient care, although the extent of the disruption is not yet clear.
He said the British Medical Association - the doctors' trade union - had failed to recognise economic and political realities.
Adding: "I can't see why anybody thinks there is any benefit in penalising patients. It won't serve any purpose whatsoever."
How much patients are affected, however, will depend on the number of doctors taking part and how rigorously they enforce the action.
Ahead of the action, some hospitals were saying fewer than 10% of bookings had been cancelled because doctors were still prepared to see patients.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2003
Consultants threaten strike action
Following hard on the heels of health union Unison's strike threat yesterday, NHS consultants have today threatened to down tools if the government does not rethink its approach on pay negotiations.
Consultants threaten strike action
Following hard on the heels of health union Unison's strike threat yesterday, NHS consultants have today threatened to down tools if the government does not rethink its approach on pay negotiations.
05 October 2011
Foreign Doctors 'Must Speak English'
From this week, doctors who want to practise in the NHS in England will have to prove they have a good standard of English. Before they are allowed to work, they will have to prove their ability to communicate. That's under strict new rules about to be imposed by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
Foreign Doctors 'Must Speak English'
From this week, doctors who want to practise in the NHS in England will have to prove they have a good standard of English. Before they are allowed to work, they will have to prove their ability to communicate. That's under strict new rules about to be imposed by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
03 June 2004
Lack of funding and staff are frustrating health initiatives: BMA
Doctors across the UK are leading innovative approaches to patient care but are blocked from developing their projects further by lack of funding and staff, according to a new publication launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) today.
Lack of funding and staff are frustrating health initiatives: BMA
Doctors across the UK are leading innovative approaches to patient care but are blocked from developing their projects further by lack of funding and staff, according to a new publication launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) today.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
08 March 2011
Doctors Fear Reporting Colleagues
Almost one in five UK doctors has had direct experience of an incompetent or poorly performing colleague in the past three years, finds a survey of professional values, published online in British Medical Journal (BMJ) Quality and Safety.
Doctors Fear Reporting Colleagues
Almost one in five UK doctors has had direct experience of an incompetent or poorly performing colleague in the past three years, finds a survey of professional values, published online in British Medical Journal (BMJ) Quality and Safety.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
