BMA begins roadshows to explain junior doctors’ contract

The British Medical Association (BMA) has commenced a series of roadshows to provide junior doctors with more information on the new contract agreement they have been offered.

Taking place at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, the event was one of 120 set to be run by the BMA across England during the next few weeks, ahead of the referendum on the contract that will run from June 17th to July 1st.

The current contract proposal was hashed out following an acrimonious back-and-forth between the BMA and the government, which encompassed several days of strike action. The new deal is a compromise supported by both parties.

However, doctors must vote in favour of the deal before it can be ratified, which is why the BMA is keen to clear up any misconceptions and make clear what has changed over the course of the negotiations.

Attendees of the event in Plymouth said the workshop was useful in explaining the rationale behind the contract, particularly in terms of the sections that doctors have questioned.

Dr Johann Malawana, the BMA's junior doctors committee chair, said: "‘These roadshows are a chance for juniors to see how their personal circumstances will be affected by this new contract."