The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) said that it deeply regrets the decision by Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, to impose a contract on junior doctors working in National Health Service (NHS) as of August 2016, despite significant progress towards a negotiated settlement to the dispute.
High-quality care can only be provided by staff who are motivated and feel valued, the RCR said. Morale has a direct impact on performance, according to the college.
"We have grave concerns that this move will have a negative impact on the ability of the NHS to recruit and retain the best doctors to care for our patients and will cause further distress to our trainees," the RCR said in a statement.
The RCR added that it welcomes a review to be led by Dr. Sue Bailey, a psychiatrist and the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, that will address longstanding concerns about doctors in training. The RCR is ready to play a full part in that process together with its trainees, the college said.
