DOCTORS SHARPEN THEIR KNIVES

22-05-2007

The resignation of the BMA chairman James Johnson is the latest twist in the fiasco of the government’s new recruitment scheme for junior doctors. Birmingham neurologist Dr David Nicholl tells us who should be next …

After the chairman of the British Medical Association resigned this week over the junior doctors training scandal, what has been the fall-out? He was, after all, not the only signatory to the infamous Times letter last week that produced so much furore.

Prof Dame Carol Black, the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, was also a co-signatory and also helped authora letter to consultants last week warning about the consequences of legal action if they did not interview junior doctors.

I know Carol Black very well and have the highest respect for her- she gave me extremely useful advice when I started hassling the US government over its policy of forcefeeding Guantanamo prisoners, but sometimes you just have to admit you are plain wrong, and if you don’t, its time to be kicked out.

The letters that James Johnson and Carol Black wrote were done on behalf of their organisations, and Patricia Hewitt has made great play of the fact that she has had the support of the BMA and Royal Colleges.

Yet there is absolutely no evidence that the members of those organisations agree with their leaders.

Just imagine for a moment if there was a risk of 10,000 of your colleagues being laid off, what would your union do? Hopefully kick up a fuss.

This week will hear the result of the judicial review where junior doctors have taken the government to court to argue the process was unfair and unjust. What did the doctors’ union, the BMA, led by James Johnson do? The BMA have backed the government! Who needs the government to shaft you when your own union can do the job just as easily.

I have spoken to several senior members of the Royal College council today, all are in agreement - Carol, it is time to go - if you lead an organisation you must represent its views. Patricia you will be next.