Resident doctors on strike holding signs advocating for better pay.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE militant BMA union refused a hospital’s plea to allow a doctor to carry out potentially life saving cancer tests.

But a hero doctor caught wind and crossed the picket line to help six men waiting for prostate biopsies.

Resident doctors on strike holding signs advocating for better pay.
Resident doctors on a five-day strike across England and Wales over payCredit: EPA
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, arriving at a meeting.
Health Sec Wes Streeting said they will “not let the BMA hold the country to ransom”Credit: Getty
Milton Keynes University Hospital entrance sign and building.
Milton Keynes University HospitalCredit: Alamy

Health Secretary Wes Streeting blasted the British Medical Association and praised the “brave” doctor who broke ranks.

Milton Keynes University Hospital trust was due to perform biopsies on the six men on Friday.

But they faced cancellations after thousands of junior doctors, now called residents, walked out that morning in the long-running row over pay.

The trust made a special patient safety request – a derogation – which allows striking doctors return to work if there is a risk to patient safety.

The Sun on Sunday reports that there were concerns about the anxiety and mental health effects on men experiencing substantial delays in discovering if they have cancer.

Prostate cancer biopsies are also invasive and uncomfortable procedures.

The request received approval from NHS England, but the BMA declined to assign anyone due to the request being rooted in anxiety rather than clinical issues, according to sources.

Fortunately, a resident doctor on the picket heard about the row and broke ranks to care for the men.

And all six men had their biopsies that day as planned.

Mr Streeting – who previously had kidney cancer – said it was “completely unacceptable” for the BMA to dismiss the impact of a delayed diagnosis.

He stated: “Having gone through it myself, I fully understand how distressing it can be while awaiting a potential cancer diagnosis.

“Not knowing can be one of the most difficult periods.

“Patients concerned about whether they have cancer and their loved ones want the NHS to provide a diagnosis as quickly as possible.

“It is completely unacceptable for the BMA to dismiss the mental anguish a delayed diagnosis can have on people and families.

“I want to thank the brave resident doctor who broke the strike to ensure these men got the care they deserve.”

Dr Victoria Alner, acting Chief Medical Officer at the trust, said: “Thanks to our staff whose ongoing professionalism and support have enabled us to keep clinics running during the industrial action.

“Our priority is always to provide safe care, and we will continue to do our utmost to minimise disruption for patients.”

This time round the NHS is trying to keep as many services as possible running.

And the public is being urged to still come forward for care during the walkout.

Mr Streeting said the government would “not let the BMA hold the country to ransom”.

NHS England said hospitals are aiming to reschedule appointments cancelled due to strikes within two weeks.

But Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s co-national medical director, warned this could have a knock-on impact for other patients.

“Even two weeks is too long for somebody to wait and actually that has an impact on the people who are then displaced at that two week period,”  she told BBC Breakfast.

She apologised to patients facing delays, adding: “I know that is extremely distressing when that happens, and it can potentially lead to both physical and psychological harm. So I am sorry.”

Prof Pandit said three derogations were granted on Friday.

Nottingham City Hospital reached an agreement to call a striking doc back from the picket line because babies’ lives were at risk.

Exemptions were agreed for two doctors to return to the Northern General Hospital.

Another agreement was made for two anaesthetists to work at University Hospital Lewisham on Saturday.

And one registrar radiologist to cover the acute service at King’s College Hospital.

The number of resident doctors who have joined picket lines is thought to be down by thousands compared to last year’s strikes.

Labour handed them the biggest pay award of any public sector service with an average increase of 28.9 per cent over three years.

But public support has fallen for the latest round strikes.

Despite this, resident doctors are demanding a further 29 per cent rise.

A BMA spokesperson said: “This service was not suitable for a derogation as the BMA assessed there was no urgent clinical need.

“NHS England was repeatedly warned that encouraging non-urgent elective care would lead to last-minute cancellations – with patients bearing the brunt.

“Despite this, they chose to press ahead. We remain focused on ensuring a safe service continues.”

Doctor picketing outside St Thomas' Hospital for better pay.
Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, on the picket lineCredit: Alamy
UK resident doctors striking for pay restoration.
Striking resident doctors display a bannerCredit: EPA
Entrance to Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Entrance to Milton Keynes University HospitalCredit: AFP
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Blogger arrested for sharing anti-Hamas meme online, claims cops didn't know about October 7th horrors

Blogger Detained for Posting Anti-Hamas Meme, Alleges Police Unaware of October 7th Events

A blogger has blasted British police after they arrested him for sharing…
ICE in Chicago: DHS requests military deployment to Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker says during press conference today

DHS Requests Military Support in Illinois: Governor Pritzker Shares Updates on ICE Operations in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Department of Homeland Security has requested the deployment…
FBI investigating Michigan church shooting as 'targeted' violence; some worshippers unaccounted for

FBI Probes Michigan Church Shooting as ‘Deliberate’ Attack; Several Attendees Missing

The FBI is looking into the Michigan church shooting and fire as…
Drug task force seizes record-breaking 1 million pounds of cocaine, denying cartels and narco-terrorists $11B

Drug task force confiscates record 1 million pounds of cocaine, cutting off cartels and narco-terrorists from $11 billion

A Coast Guard crew member assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Diligence (WMEC…
Teen shootout sends blue city residents running for cover as youth gangs surge ahead of mayoral race: expert

Youth Violence Escalates: Residents Concerned About Gang Activity as Mayoral Race Approaches, Expert Says

New York City has observed a concerning increase in juvenile crime following…
New temporary Illinois Secretary of State DMV to open in Orland Park Monday

Temporary Illinois DMV Secretary of State Facility Opening in Orland Park on Monday

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — The Village of Orland Park opened a…
Daughter honors missing mom 1 year after Helene flooding

Daughter Pays Tribute to Mother 1 Year After Helene Flood Disaster

One year after Helene’s floodwaters carried Kim Ashby away, she remains among…
Epstein Secretly Brokered Israel-Mongolia Deal

Epstein Covertly Facilitated Agreement Between Israel and Mongolia

Epstein planned Ehud Barak’s meeting with the Secretary of the National Security…
Tropical Storm Imelda, Huricane Humberto deliver double threat, brining dangerous surf and flooding for US

Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto Pose Twin Threats with Dangerous Surf and Flooding in the US

Tropical Storm Imelda is predicted to gain strength and develop into a…
Iowa revokes license of schools superintendent arrested by ICE, saying he is in US illegally

Iowa Rescinds License of School Superintendent Detained by ICE for Alleged Illegal U.S. Residency

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — On Monday, the professional license of the…
Texas woman with history of 5 marriages faces murder trial in husband's insulin death

Texas Woman with Five Previous Marriages Goes to Trial Over Husband’s Insulin-Related Death

Jury selection has begun in the high-profile murder trial of Sarah Hartsfield, the…
Plainfield murder-suicide: Ryan Heit shoots, kills wife, Jennifer, before taking own life on Burshire Court, Joliet police say

Tragic Incident in Plainfield: Ryan Heit Allegedly Kills Wife Jennifer Before Taking His Own Life, According to Joliet Police

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — According to Joliet police, a tragic incident occurred…