Doctors to meet over health service 'funding crisis'

Updated

Leading medics have convened an urgent meeting to discuss the "funding and workforce crisis across the UK health service".

The British Medical Association (BMA) said the issues are affecting both patient safety and doctors' ability to help patients.

The doctors' union, which is currently in conflict with the Department of Health over a new contract for junior doctors, said that the health system is facing "unprecedented pressures".

It said the meeting, which will take place on May 3 in London, will provide doctors with an opportunity to examine potential solutions to help "protect the future of patient care".

"Doctors from across the UK have called on the BMA to hold a meeting in response to the crisis in funding and capacity in healthcare, and the effect these have on both patient safety and doctors' ability to help patients," said BMA chairman of council Dr Mark Porter.

"At a time of unprecedented pressures on healthcare and on those who deliver it, it is time to hear from doctors about the evidence-based solutions needed to protect high quality patient care.

"This will be an opportunity for doctors to highlight their concerns and outline the necessary solutions."

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