Junior doctors have planned four days of industrial action in April. It comes after months of disruption due to multiple sectors striking over pay and working conditions. With many studying for a career in medicine, we answer can medical students strike as well, and how they can support those who are.
There has been numerous strike taken by those working in the NHS over the last few months. Now, junior doctors are striking after talks with unions and employers were unsuccessful. Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees in the UK, so there will be many students hoping for a career in the sector. However, knowing that so many are unhappy is disheartening, and you may want to help make a change.
Junior Doctors Are Striking
Junior doctors will be striking for 96 hours from April 11 in the hopes of winning their 35 per cent pay rise battle.
There are worries that the industrial action will cause mass disruption in the NHS. After walkouts took place earlier on in March, thousands of appointments and surgeries were cancelled. Still playing catch up, senior clinicians believe that the April strikes will be worse.
Already, four days of action will have a huge impact on patients as it’s the biggest NHS walkout so far. However, the dates come after Easter Bank Holiday weekend, when services will already be limited. The backlog will only increase as junior doctor strikes mean staff limitations for the rest of the week.
Staff and unions are still waiting for a credible pay offer. Until an agreement is met, more strikes can be expected further in 2023.
Can Medical Students Strike?
No, medical students are not allowed to strike.
This is because students will not yet hold contacts within the NHS, even if they have placements. Medical students are also not allowed to join or create a picket like for this dispute. Picketing activity is also not allowed, meaning you can not convince others not to work or obtain and communicate information to those who are striking.
Although this a career that many will be looking to get into, unless you are formally employed you cannot take industrial action yet.
However, this does not mean you cannot show your support for junior doctors and the reasons that they strike.
You can help those on the picket line by bringing food, drink and other amenities to support their time striking. This has to be done in your own free time and cannot be done whilst you’re meant to be on a placement. Likewise, you can share issues on your social media and raise awareness about why junior doctors are striking to raise support in other areas. Just ensure that you aren’t dis/encouraging others to participate in industrial action.
Medical Placements May Be Affected
Medical students may find that their placements might be affected due to the junior doctor strike.
Some will have to be cancelled due to a lack of staff who can supervise. If this does happen then your placement will be rearranged and your needs should still be met. Any concerns you have about your training or portfolio can be raised with your clinical and educational supervisor so that everything is complete.
Due to staff shortages, you may be asked to complete tasks which are outside of your skillset or without supervision. If at any time you feel that something is outside of your capabilities or there isn’t a supervisor available, raise this with your clinical and educational supervisor also. Do not complete any task beyond your skillset or without proper supervision.