British Medical Association Refuses to Allow Doctor to Carry Out Life-Saving Cancer Tests During Strike

A crisis unfolded on the first day of a five-day walkout by junior doctors in the UK, when a hospital pleaded for a doctor to perform potentially lifesaving cancer tests on six men waiting for prostate biopsies. The hospital had made a special patient safety request, known as a derogation, which would have allowed the doctor to return to work despite the strike. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) refused to bring the doctor in, citing that the plea was based on anxiety rather than clinical concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• The BMA refused to allow a doctor to perform potentially lifesaving cancer tests on six men waiting for prostate biopsies, despite the hospital's pleas.
• The hospital had made a special patient safety request, known as a derogation, to allow the doctor to return to work despite the strike.
• The BMA said that the plea was based on anxiety rather than clinical concerns.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the "brave" doctor who broke ranks and helped the six men get their biopsies done.
• The doctor's actions were in contrast to the declining number of resident doctors joining picket lines, which is reportedly thousands down from last year's strikes.
• A YouGov poll found that 52% of Brits are opposed to the idea of resident doctor walkouts over pay.
• The NHS is urging the public to come forward for care during the walkout, but warns that rescheduling appointments cancelled due to strikes may have a knock-on impact for other patients.
• Three derogations were granted on Friday, including one for doctors to return to work at Nottingham City Hospital to treat babies in danger.

Statistics:

• 52% of Brits oppose the idea of resident doctor walkouts over pay (YouGov poll)
• Thousands of resident doctors joined picket lines, down from last year's strikes
• 28.9% average increase in pay for junior doctors over three years, as agreed with Labour
• 29% further pay raise demanded by the BMA
• 6 men were waiting for prostate biopsies at Milton Keynes University Hospital
• 1 doctor broke ranks and helped the 6 men get their biopsies done
• 3 derogations were granted on Friday, including one for Nottingham City Hospital

Sources:

• "Praise for doctor who defied strikers to save cancer patients" by The Sun on Sunday
• YouGov poll
• Labour agreement with junior doctors
• NHS England statement
• BMA statement
• Sophia Sleigh, The Sun on Sunday Correspondent