Tories Have Lost Trust Of Doctors - Letter

Labour has sent a letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt urging him to backtrack on junior doctor contracts ahead of another walkout this week.

Sky News has seen an exclusive copy of the letter by shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander that accuses the Government of losing the trust of doctors.

Junior doctors are unhappy with Tory proposals aimed at providing better care at weekends, which would see the number of unsocial hours where they can claim extra pay reduced.

Ms Alexander writes: "I understand why a process to reform the junior doctors' contract was initiated.

"However, your determination to conflate contract reform with your manifesto commitment for a seven-day NHS has resulted in a fundamental breakdown of trust."

The British Medical Association says Wednesday's industrial action - which comes after its talks with ministers broke down - will mirror that of 12 January, meaning junior doctors will offer emergency care only for 24 hours.

The two sides are thought to be a long way from reaching any kind of agreement.

Several hundred people attended a rally in central London on Saturday to support the junior doctors in their dispute.

Actress Vanessa Redgrave addressed the crowd, telling them how her life was saved by NHS doctors and nurses when she had a heart attack last year.

The letter was sent as Mr Hunt prepares to announce an extra £4.2bn to bring the NHS into the digital age.

In an announcement on Sunday, he will detail how a "paperless" NHS will help doctors provide faster diagnoses and lead to more time caring for patients.

:: Watch Heidi Alexander on Sky News' Murnaghan programme at 10am on Sunday.