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.
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.”
