From August 2008 most hospitals will no longer provide free accommodation for junior doctors (following changes to the law which no longer requires junior doctors to be resident.)
At this very moment, student debt is at its highest level and junior doctors’ salaries are shrinking – the BMA has argued that this is completely detrimental to the Government’s drive to encourage low-income groups into the medical profession.
Ann Keen (Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health) responded today and said;
“as the statutory requirement to be resident no longer exists, these doctors will need to make the same arrangements as other national health service staff.”
What the honourable member forgets is that other national health service staff receive grants and have their university fees paid in full – medical students do not.
This is just another example of the government saving money at the expense of medical professionals – who are a vital element to the NHS.
I am pleased that the BMA have strongly opposed these measures. (click to view their campaign)
Next week, in hospitals throughout the country, medical students will hold protests to raise awareness and to urge NHS Employers to negotiate with the BMA. I will be supporting this protest.
