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BMA and NHS leaders call on government to engage with arbitration service to end junior doctors’ pay dispute

BMJ 2023 ; 381 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p844 (Published 13 April 2023) Cite this as: BMJ 2023;381:p844

Rapid Response:

Re: BMA and NHS leaders call on government to engage with arbitration service to end junior doctors’ pay dispute

Dear Editor,

The government fails to come to the table at its peril.

Having supported junior colleagues on picket lines in 2016 and 2023, it is obvious that the public are very much on the doctors' side this time round.

I have observed more pipping, tinging, smiling, thumbs up, power salutes, clapping and waving than in 2016. There are more positive comments and fewer snide ones. People have been dropping off refreshments that they are donating. Groups who are not supposed to toot their horns, such as the police, have told us that they still support the action.

These are the folks who will be voting in forthcoming local and general elections. Those currently in power need to buck their ideas up if they want to stay that way.

Competing interests: No competing interests

15 April 2023
Rachel L Hooke
Freelance Writer, Trainer and Translator
Leicester