Dr Tom Dolphin – chairman of the BMA council – has had a shocker of a Today Programme interview on the latest junior doctor strikes. The BMA announced they are to stage a five-day walkout from 17 December yesterday…
Dolphin dismissed appeals to the BMA on the grounds that Christmas would be ruined for patients stuck in hospital as “sentimental” and “emotional.” He added: “Talking about Christmas is a cynical ploy by the employers’ side.” You have to admire the capacity of the snotty union type to alienate everyone…
After a protracted argument with Nick Robinson during which Dolphin admitted that junior doctors have had a real terms 7.9% pay rise since 2015, the BMA chairman launched into a tirade against people who think Christmas shouldn’t be spent in hospital. Things got more awkward when Robinson pointed out Dolphin is a naked political activist, having been agent to Dawn Butler and wannabe Labour candidate…
Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP backing Andy Burnham, told Times Radio there wouldn’t be trouble from the markets under Burnham:
“The markets will have to fall in line.”