News & Media > BHIVA statement of support for junior doctors

BHIVA statement of support for junior doctors

Friday 6 May 2016

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) would like to highlight very significant concerns it has related to the government’s intention to impose a contract on junior doctors in England from August 1st. Junior doctors are justly concerned that the lack of increased resources to support seven day working will lead in the longer term to reduced patient safety and decreased quality of care. BHIVA strongly supports the call to lift the imposition of the contract and a return of the relevant parties to the negotiating table.

We therefore welcome todays initiative by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the BMA to re-open negotiations.

BHIVA recognises the difficult decisions each one of the junior doctors has faced in deciding whether to participate in the industrial action and wishes to confirm our support for each and every one of them.

We also recognise and appreciate the critical role of consultants and other colleagues within the multi-professional team, who have responded by not only providing clinical cover but have provided support to junior doctors during this very difficult time.

At this time it is not clear what how this situation will evolve. I urge you to continue to work tirelessly to ensure patient safety and high quality care are maintained but importantly also to provide the support that the junior doctors require.

David Asboe
Chair, BHIVA