Comment: Doctors are taking a big risk (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Comment: Doctors are taking a big risk

3:37pm Friday 1st June 2012 in Opinion

THE decision to go on strike is never an easy one to take.

And if you’re a doctor – bound by oath to prioritise the wellbeing of your patients – that decision becomes even more difficult.

The day of industrial action by doctors later this month will be the first by the British Medical Association since 1975.

That in itself is a clear indication of the strength of feeling among members of the profession about Government proposals to make doctors work longer and receive smaller pensions.

The cancellation of routine appointments on June 21 is designed to cause nothing more than inconvenience to the public, while sending a message to the Government that proposed pension changes go too far.

But even at their reduced rate, doctors will receive a pension that most people in East Lancashire can only dream of.

And that means doctors are taking a big risk – losing the sympathy of the public by dragging patients into the dispute will only serve to weaken their position.