The BMA is selling a fantasy. Strikes will harm patients and erode trust | The secret consultant

The article discusses the upcoming strikes by junior doctors in the UK and the concerns of consultants regarding the impact on patient safety and public trust. The author, a secret consultant, notes that while consultants were generally supportive of previous strikes, the current strike action feels "futile" and they fear for patient safety. The article highlights that junior doctors face financial hardship, with increased student debt and rising registration and examination fees that are not adequately covered by their shrinking study budgets. The author acknowledges that the 22% pay award received by junior doctors last year was a step in the right direction. However, the author argues that the length and timing of the current strike action, which is scheduled for two weeks over the summer when people are away, is designed to send a message rather than address the underlying issues. The article suggests that the goodwill towards the strike has been lost, and the consultants fear that the strikes will ultimately harm patients and erode public trust in the medical profession.