THE BMA’s decision to ballot members over potential industrial action is a reflection of the anger felt by thousands of junior doctors towards the Government’s plans to impose a new contract.

Doctors across York believe the proposed contract is unsafe for patients, unfair for doctors and will undermine the future of the NHS.

It will remove vital protections on safe working patterns, devalue evening and weekend work, and could have a real impact on the quality of patient care if we return to the days of over-exhausted junior doctors working dangerously long hours.

Around 3,500 doctors applied for a certificate to work abroad in just 10 days following the imposition of the new contract. This should serve as a serious wake-up call.

If the Government force this contract through, there is a real risk that junior doctors will speak with their feet which would be a disaster for the NHS, and for patients.

We have been clear. Junior doctors are not prepared to agree contract changes that risk patient safety and doctors’ wellbeing.

No doctor takes the possibility of industrial action lightly, but we feel the government has left us little option. We can only deliver a fair and safe contract if the government genuinely negotiates without a constant threat of imposition.

Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, British Medical Association

 

WHY oh why is there such negative coverage since Russia has become involved in the fight against IS?

Yes, we know there is a bone of contention regarding Ukraine.

At this moment, I am watching Teresa May’s speech to the Conservative party conference and it seems the only solution they have for what is going on in the middle east is to blacken Russia with propaganda and negative personal comments against Mr Putin.

How many times have America dropped bombs and hit innocent targets? Russia begged us not to invade Iraq but every time they used their veto their name was dragged through the dirt and they were vilified for not going along with those who, as it turned out, were wrong.

When Russia first got involved this time I thought “right, now something is going to be done”. Instead of arming and going along with the supposed free Syrian rebels or any other rebel group as the west did in Egypt, Syria, Libya and Iraq, where the Arab spring rebels were armed and were therefore set up to kill whoever, Russia have gone in and tackled first things first.

K Exton, Wheldrake

 

THE memories of those far-off, halcyon days of the village bobby came flooding back when I read the letter from Phil Fowler (The Press, October 5).

I lived in New Earswick, Cherry Tree Avenue, and our bobby was Bill Bunyan.

Not for him being draped in a stab-proof vest, multi-tool belt, two-way radio and whip-like metal truncheon.

His policeman’s cape draped over his shoulders for when the weather looked a bit iffy, policeman’s peaked hat, wooden truncheon in the special pocket down one leg of his trousers and his whistle to summon help if needed.

Seeing Bill pedalling round the village at all times, day or night, gave either a warm feeling of assurance or the “Oh heck, I’ve been caught!” feeling when one of us young lads was caught scrumping apples, pears or plums.

The deep voiced “what do you think you’re doing?” would herald the fact Bill had caught us.

Then the dreaded “Right! I’m coming to see your father about this.”

Thanks Mr Fowler and The Press for helping me recall those happy days.

Philip Roe, Roman Avenue South, Stamford Bridge

 

IT was very nice to read about Beckfield Lane cycle path (Letters, October 5) and that Tracey Simpson-Laing, along with her councillor colleague David Horton, were so opposed to phases one and two and managed to stop the latter.

Phase two became, and still is, a continuation of phase one; a situation that is unbearable to people who live there.

While I managed to get safety alterations to the cycle crossing of Ostman Road and the road crossing opposite the Co-op, and fresh, clearer signage to indicate the end of the cycle lane, where were you when you were asked to attend site visits with officers to get the improvements I mentioned above?

Brian Watson, Beckfield Lane, Acomb, York

 

DESPITE all the fuss, plastic carrier bags represent around one per cent of the packaging used in the food supply chain.

It might make us feel we are doing something to reduce waste and litter, but in reality the impact of the 5p charge on carrier bags will deliver very little environmental benefit.

David Farnsworth, Haxby, York

 

THERE are many good statues located around the city, from William Etty outside the Art Gallery to George Leeman near the station.

At the racecourse, there is a statue to Frankel. They all add interest to various parts of York streets and, whatever the subject, would be better than the existing fountain.

So the reason for no action on statue of the Queen (Letters, October 5) or Richard III comes down to who will pay for it.

Timothy Wynn, Dodgson Terrace, Acomb, York