In a “hugely positive step” toward resolution, the government and the British Medical Association’s (BMA) junior doctors committee have decided to explore mediation.
Both parties have agreed a preferred mediator, meaning the union and government can now kickstart the engagement process.
Junior doctors have been in dispute with the government for over a year, but the BMA believes an independent mediator can help “break the logjam” between the two parties.
“We hope to reach a credible solution as soon as possible,” said Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, in a joint statement as BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs.
The NHS Confederation’s CEO, Matthew Taylor, said: “This agreement from the BMA and the government to enter mediation is a hugely positive step following what feels like a period of relative calm in terms of the serious dispute.
“NHS leaders and patients will be hopeful of a resolution.”
The NHS Confederation also highlights that action must be taken to improve the working lives of doctors.
NHS England announced a series of actions to improve the lives of doctors last month, including to enhance choice and flexibility with rotas, while reducing payroll errors and the financial burden of paying course fees upfront.
Health secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: “As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my duty is to patients and I want to pursue all avenues to resolve the dispute with the BMA junior doctors committee.
“This will ensure they can focus on delivering the highest quality care and help consolidate our recent progress on waiting lists.
“I am pleased the BMA have agreed to explore mediation and I am hopeful that it will provide a way forward.”
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