Despite multiple requests from the News over the past few weeks, the CEOs of Southwark’s two main hospitals both refused to discuss in detail the ongoing protests over the junior doctor contracts and this week’s strike.
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, and Nick Moberly, Chief Executive of King’s College Hospital, both rejected requests for interviews, instead choosing to issue short statements.
Mr Moberly and Professor Julia Wendon, the hospital’s executive medical director, said: “Junior doctors play an absolutely crucial role in delivering services for patients at King’s. They are vital members of the team, and we care about their futures.
“We are prepared for the industrial action taking place this week. We are in close contact with BMA representatives at the Trust, and we are working together to ensure we are able to deliver safe care during the industrial action.”
A spokesperson for Guys and St Thomas’ said: “We are closely following national developments regarding the new 2016 contract for junior doctors, which is due to be implemented in August.
“Guidance on the junior doctor contract has been provided to Trusts and we are currently considering this. We are grateful to our junior doctors for the excellent care that they continue to provide to our patients.”
Neither CEO would say whether they supported the implementation of the new junior doctor contracts.