Ministers are investigating claims that junior NHS physicians are working extra shifts in hospitals on strike days.
Photo from Google
NHS Doctors Investigated for Taking Higher-Paying Shifts During Strikes
The investigation follows reports that some doctors are quitting their shifts at one institution for higher-paying jobs elsewhere. Senior NHS officials are frustrated that physicians are finding methods to make money during strike days, making it difficult to resolve the disagreement. The Mail on Sunday found evidence that junior physicians leave their shifts to work at higher-paying hospital trusts.
A senior NHS source said some physicians drive to another hospital on strike days to make more money than they would lose. NHS strikers can work in other trusts, but they cannot execute their tasks. A doctor on Reddit said they’ve seen colleagues take locum work at hospitals during strikes.
The British Medical Association (BMA) advised junior doctors to work locum jobs during strikes to make up for lost earnings. Although lawful, doctors performing jobs that should be done by striking colleagues raises issues.
Health Department Urges Compliance in Locum Work During Strikes, Calls for Negotiation
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care stressed that locum work during strike action must follow standards. The spokeswoman acknowledged the difficulty hospitals suffer during strikes, especially during NHS peak season. Any locum work rule infringement during strikes is improper.
The representative stressed that the BMA junior physicians committee should reconsider the strike and negotiate. Junior doctors’ confrontation with the government has increased hospital workload and strain. The probe of doctors working extra shifts during strike days complicates dispute resolution.
READ ALSO: Ministers investigate claims NHS doctors are working at other hospitals on strike days
