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BMA Junior Doctors Committee update

31 July 2007

Tomorrow will be a difficult day for us all. Perhaps you will be starting an entirely new role, undergoing induction, still having to worry about your future employment or carrying the service through by working hard to maintain the depleted rota. Despite concerns being raised about patient safety, doctors will do the best they can when faced with a difficult situation – we are professionals and this is what we do.

BMA Doctors for doctors
The BMA understands that this is a particularly stressful time for all doctors. If you would like to talk to someone about your concerns please do not hesitate to call our doctors for doctors unit on 08459 200 169.

Political Wizard campaign
Today the BMA launches a new political campaign in England to continue to raise awareness amongst MPs. We need you to highlight the problems with the changeover as well as your concerns about inter-deanery transfers, highlighting any instances where SHAs have failed to honour the promise of employment in England until 31 October. Please email your MP now.

Unemployed?
Despite the promise from the former Secretary of State, which has been reiterated in both Houses of Parliament, we are still receiving reports where no provisions have been made for the employment of doctors going through Round 2 applications. Please email info.jdc@bma.org.uk if you are in this situation and we will take this up locally as a matter of urgency. Log in for our recent advice for unemployed doctors.

Having problems starting your new role?
We have received reports from individuals who are being prevented from starting their new roles as vetting procedures have not been carried out and/or occupational health checks are being implemented en masse. If you are affected by the disorganisation please email info.jdc@bma.org.uk.

MTAS Complaints procedure
The JDC continues to pressurise the Department of Health England to publish an updated complaints procedure, as successfully negotiated in the devolved nations. We have demanded that applicants must be able to complain before the end of Round 2 and there is no excuse for any further delays.

We will continue to update you through the website (http://www.bma.org.uk), however if you require any employment advice (which includes a free contract checking service) please contact askBMA on 0870 60 60 828. Also, don’t forget to email info.jdc@bma.org.uk with any examples of unemployment or failures in Trust or Deanery procedures. We will continue to record these instances and highlight them in discussions with the Department of Health and Deaneries and if you are willing, to illustrate the issues in the media.

Dr Tom Dolphin
Deputy Chairman
Junior Doctors Committee, BMA