Junior doctors to strike at Northwick Park and Central Middlesex Hospital next week

A 24-hour strike by junior doctors will take place at Northwick Park and Central Middlesex Hospital next week after talks with the government failed to reach an agreement.

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced today that there will be a nationwide walkout next Wednesday following a collapse in talks.

All operations, procedures and appointments will be cancelled as junior doctors will provide emergency care only from 8am on Wednesday to 8am the following day.The BMA previously suspended plans for 48-hour industrial action on January 26 on the basis that some progress was being made in the talks.

But the sticking point remains the time at which premium rates of pay kick in for doctors working weekends.

Currently, 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday and the whole of Saturday and Sunday attract a premium rate of pay.

In a new offer from the government, dated January 16, a premium rate of pay could kick in from 5pm on Saturdays rather than 7pm.

Furthermore, premium pay could start at 9pm Monday to Friday rather than the original offer of 10pm.

Dr Johann Malawana, chairman of the BMA’s junior doctor committee, said an agreement could still not be made.