Democracy can replace NHS strikes

The present government shows no sign of backing down, and will never back down on its determination to force through a contract. Any government have had a history of ignoring strikes in the past in spite of mass protests. It is the government's way of having power over the NHS and also the politicians like to have an upper hand, and are really playing games with the NHS. The dispute between the government and the NHS will never be resolved.

And strikes are useless and effective putting people's lives at risk. Strikes should be discouraged as it will only give the government more power over people, and is overruling democracy. While the public is on the side of NHS, Jeremy Hunt cannot ever try and exploit divisions in the BMA over the wisdom of strike action. Instead of mass walkouts, the only solution would be is to stand up to the government and say 'stuff politics'.

It is claimed that 100,000 operations and up to 1 million appointments could be cancelled. This would put pressure on the A&E departments dealing with the influx of patients waiting for operations or appointments. The best way to resolve this situation is to stand up to the government and keep the five working days. And get paid for the five working days, and not seven. There is already a seven day around the clock treatment for all patients.

Doctors are not allowed to not get paid for the extra two days on top of five working days. They do have a life and have families, and deserve time off. They can work on any day of the week as long as it is five working days in total. It is totally unacceptable to work seven days a week and only gets paid for five days and not have a break at all.

Doctors cannot deliver quality of care and safety while they working underperformed due to tiredness, overworked and not having a break. We all need to put our foot down and say 'NO' to the government and carry on as if nothing happens. Democracy has more power over the government, and cannot be dictated to by the government.