Junior doctors at the Countess of Chester Hospital are invited to a fact-finding roadshow about a revised deal on new contracts before members have their say in a national referendum.
Medics at the Countess have been on strike five times along with colleagues across England with emergency cover withdrawn during the last walk-out.
The dispute is over the introduction of new contracts by health secretary Jeremy Hunt which the BMA doctors’ union felt would result in its members working longer hours, putting patients at risk.
But the BMA leadership feels negotiations in May led to an improved offer which will be fully explained at 120 roadshows including one at the Doubletree by Hilton, Warrington Road, Hoole, from midday on Monday, June 13.
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However, the deal could still be rejected when it is put to the vote in a referendum of 40,000 junior doctors taking place between June 17 and July 1 – with the result to be announced on July 6.
The BMA website explains to members: “We are running a series of 120 roadshows across England to talk to junior doctors and final or penultimate year medical students about the new contract ahead of the member referendum in June.
“Each roadshow will last for one-and-a-half hours approximately and will include a presentation on the contract as well as a question and answer session, run by a BMA staff member and a junior doctor.”
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The statement adds: ”We encourage as many of you as possible to attend and participate. There will also be an event at BMA House which will also be webcast for those who cannot attend in person.”
