The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) wishes to highlight the serious difficulties facing the health service by demoralising junior doctors who have significant concerns about reduced patient safety and lower quality of care in respect of the new junior doctors’ contract, which is being imposed in England.
These concerns have led each junior doctor to make the difficult decision about whether they should take industrial action.
BASHH recognises the difficult decisions each one of them has faced in deciding whether to participate / not participate in the industrial action and wishes to confirm their support for each and every one of the junior doctors in our specialty. We know that this has been hard for them and that they want to do the best they can for their patients.
We also recognise the immense support from their colleagues at this difficult time, including consultants, nurses, health advisors, and support teams who have not only responded by providing clinical cover but have done this with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Patient care and safety has been paramount and this has been maintained at all times with advanced planning, handovers and post-action updates.
BASHH will do everything it can within its power to encourage a return of all parties to constructive and meaningful negotiations and to achieve a satisfactory conclusion that ensures maximum patient safety as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, thank you to all BASHH members and fellows for your efforts, respectful communications and professionalism during this challenging time.