In this issue

3-7

ARM 2023

News from the BMA annual representative meeting

8-11

The fight goes on Government refusal to enter meaningful pay talks intensifies the resolve of junior doctors in England

12-15

Back from the brink Doctors who have had a close encounter with death describe how they have gained new perspectives

16-19

Unsafe and unsustainable GPs in Wales take action to ‘save our surgeries’

20-21

A dedicated life A GP who served his community for 50 years looks back

22 Your BMA Reflections on an inclusive ARM

Welcome

Phil Banfield, BMA council chair

When I was elected BMA council chair, I knew we faced many challenges ahead as we sought to redress years of eroded pay, underinvestment and worsening morale. Even after decades witnessing the incredible care and compassion doctors show in the most difficult of circumstances, I could never have predicted the pride I feel one year on – with our union focused on delivering for its members and thus for our patients. Across the UK doctors have shown energy and passion, taking a stand collectively for what is right and demanding our expertise is valued for what it is worth.

At last week’s BMA annual representative meeting I said we had become an association ‘undaunted’ by the threats of Government and willing to do ‘what it takes’ for our profession and for our country. I meant every word and if ministers aren’t already on notice that we will not stop until we succeed, they should be now.

It was an immense pleasure to meet so many members, colleagues and friends at the ARM in Liverpool. The debates we had, and the policy made, guide the vital work we do in the year ahead as we advocate for doctors and the NHS as powerfully as we possibly can. In this edition of The Doctor we include some of the highlights and talking points from the ARM for those who were unable to attend or watch online.

In our feature on a new BMA Wales campaign, ‘Save Our Surgeries’ we hear from GPs whose working conditions are having a pitiless effect on their lives. One doctor describes the feeling of being ‘constantly tortured’ by her thoughts. Our colleagues in general practice are working harder than ever – providing remarkable care for communities in the face of extreme rising demand as well as abuse from patients and gaslighting from Government and the media. The BMA in Wales has produced a plan to save general practice; as I said in my opening address at the ARM – if we lose general practice, we lose the NHS.

Also in this issue we speak to Yorkshire GP Hanume Thimmegowda, who recently celebrated 50 years of working in the NHS – and is still serving his community in his 80s. He speaks movingly about his ‘immense passion’ for his vocation in life. We also speak to two doctors about their close encounters with death, and how those experiences influenced their attitudes to life and work.

We are the product of our rich and diverse experiences, good and bad. They make us human, with a need to be cared for and appreciated for who we are. We are doctors, and we are your BMA.

Keep in touch with the BMA online at instagram.com/thebma twitter.com/TheBMA