Junior doctors’ all-out strike: voices from the picket lines

Abstract

“None of us here wants to strike but we feel that, in the interests of patient safety, patients would be better off if we did strike. There’s a lot of spin and different opinions that make it confusing and that’s why we’re out here today, to try to show patients why we’re doing it and the benefits of striking for them.” “I am taking part in industrial action as I feel it is the only recourse left to bring attention to, and defend against, the threat posed by this government to my patients. My strike effort is being covered by my consultant senior colleagues who are 100% behind our action. The public is really supportive. I’m in the north. Who are people going to trust—all their doctors or a Tory government?” “Escalating action is a significant move but unfortunately it’s the only possible one. The next action would be a longer period of strike action or a full walk out. Given the state of the contract I would support that. The negative impact of the contract in the long term is going to be significantly worse than any short term strike action we take now. It’s like ripping off a plaster. You either rip it off all at once, or you peel it off nastily and slowly.” “I am supporting the junior doctors because the new contract carries safety risks for our patients, will affect the quality …