'Please listen to us, not the lies,' says Sheffield junior doctor on strike

As junior doctors across the city down tools and walk out of A&E for the first time, a Sheffield doctor has got in touch with The Star to explain why she is joining the picket lines.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2016, 15:27 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2016, 16:28 BST
Striking doctor Sarah FosterStriking doctor Sarah Foster
Striking doctor Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster wrote this piece for The Star to explain the doctors’ position first-hand as strikes continue today and tomorrow.

She said: “I feel privileged that patients trust me as their doctor and I want to honour this through fighting for our NHS.

Junior doctors strike outside the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield in protest against the Government's plan to impose a new contract.Junior doctors strike outside the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield in protest against the Government's plan to impose a new contract.
Junior doctors strike outside the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield in protest against the Government's plan to impose a new contract.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is why I am going on strike. The proposed junior doctors contract is the tip of a very big iceberg which will put patients in harm’s way through stretching demoralised doctors even more thinly and removing safeguards on working hours.

“I am worried the government will cause patient harm with their plans as hospitals don’t have enough doctors as it is.

“I am worried that we spend less on healthcare than many other countries and that funding continues to be squeezed.

“This contract openly discriminates against women. This is the truth.

Striking doctor Sarah FosterStriking doctor Sarah Foster
Striking doctor Sarah Foster
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The government say you are more likely to die in hospital at a weekend - this has been proven categorically to be a lie. Underfunding the NHS and cutting social services puts patients at risk everyday. This is the truth.

“I am going on strike to prevent things getting much worse and to protect our future patients. Our consultants will continue to protect the patients of today during the strikes alongside our experienced nursing, paramedic and many other colleagues, using their vast experience to provide safe emergency care. This is the truth.

“A 24/7 emergency NHS already exists. We are on the frontline. We don’t want to strike but we know the reality - this contract is dangerous. Doctors have not had to undertake industrial action for 40 years. Please listen to us, not the lies.”

What do you think? Comment or tweet @Sheffieldstar

Related topics:SheffieldNHSDoctors