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Wednesday 27 April 2016

Junior doctors' strike; for all the right reasons.

We're often told that in order to express a point or to make a stand, it has to be done so peacefully and respectively. That if we have any hope of having our 'voices' heard, it has to be done in accordance with the law.

And of course, this is absolutely correct.

However, regardless of the numerous junior doctors strikes, nothing seems to be changing. 

I have not read the 80 pages or so that outlines the new contracts for junior doctors. I cannot possibly empathise with those who have studied medicine and beyond for approximately 15 years, simply because I've only studied for 3. I, like the most of us can, however, read and listen to the so obviously desperate pleas from those who are affected by Jeremy Hunt's proposed terms of a 7 day NHS. 

First of all, was the NHS not a 7 day service anyway? 

I am yet to hear of somebody having a heart attack, a stroke, a broken arm, or whatever else you can come up with and turn up to A&E for someone to go, 'sorry, it's the weekend'. 

It feels to me that Jeremy Hunt is looking to save money where it cannot be saved. He's trying to force some of the hardest working individuals in this country to work more hours and for less. 

I appreciate that the junior doctors have said that they are not striking because of money, and I believe them, but my word! If I had studied for as long as they had and worked as hard as they had, I bloody well would! Nobody should go into a profession with the sole reason of doing that work being for the money, especially when duty of care is so strong within it. But this isn't to say they shouldn't be paid a respectful wage for it too. 

For those of you who are confused to why junior doctors are striking, here's a very brief outline of why (and remember, this is from an onlooker of it, not an expert):

There's this new contract, right? And it's stating that junior doctors will have to work ludicrous hours for less money. The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt (be careful not to misspell his second name, or do, it'd be more accurate) is claiming there has to be more work done so that people don't become more vulnerable at weekends when less doctors are working. This is because statistics show that you're more likely to die at the weekends due to lack of staff. So, Jeremy Hunt (don't be afraid to misspell his name, actually) is trying to stretch resources which are about as flexible as glass without allowing them to have any give. Instead of investing into the NHS, he's trying to bend it without realising that it won't bend, but snap. 

Got it?

So, that's the reason why junior doctors have been striking. They're terrified of the prospect of being forced to work so much that their concentration could alter their decision making.

You've worked tired, right? You know how hard it can be to focus? Well imagine being a doctor and having to make a decision that could help someone fighting death survive. The stakes are so high that it's unbelievable that we're even debating it at all! 

Jeremy Hunt, to me, is so blind of the profession he is secretary of. He has never been a doctor. He has never been forced to work hours that would make the day and night merge into one big ball of confusion. He has never had to work as hard, physically and mentally, as these poor men and women. 

He's had some of the worst public opinion I've ever seen in politics, and that's saying something!

His arrogant stubbornness makes my blood boil. 

He claims to have tried to negotiate but makes it sound as if the unions are like school children, throwing their toys out of the pram and getting on a right strop. 

How he can possibly think this is a good way forward is beyond me. 

Junior doctors, please strike when you feel the need to. 

The NHS will not fail to help you if you are ill during this strike. 

The NHS will not fail with the incredible people working there.

The NHS will fail with Jeremy Hunt holding the reigns. 

Jeremy Hunt is just an individual who is lucky enough that the QWERTY keyboard doesn't accidentally misspell his name; or have I mentioned that already?


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