Humiliating second BMA physician ‘HANGS UP’ on radio as he can’t reply to livid trainer | UK | News | EUROtoday

A livid trainer branded placing resident docs “incredibly greedy” and mentioned they “should hang their heads in shame” in a blistering voicemail performed stay on BBC Radio 5 Live – leaving a senior BMA official apparently speechless and the road abruptly going useless. The indignant message was aired throughout an interview with Dr Thomas Cheliotis-James, deputy chair of the BMA’s resident docs committee, on Wednesday as the newest five-day walkout started amid an unprecedented flu disaster.

The trainer mentioned: “The difference between the doctors, who are incredibly greedy, and the teachers, who had an equally valid complaint, is that we, once given reasonable recompense of 5% one year and 4% the next, decided that was all the country could afford. Doctors deciding they want another 30% pay rise is outrageous, nobody supports them, and whilst the strikes are impactful for patients, lots of my friends and I are personally glad that they are losing five days pay every time they strike because they don’t deserve another pay rise and they should get back to work.

“To be sincere I’d be beginning to sack them and exchange them with individuals who wish to work. It is completely outrageous and the BMA and any resident physician who comes onto your programme to justify this loopy strike ought to hold their heads in disgrace, resign and get a job in the true world.”

Presenter Rick Edwards played the clip and asked Dr Cheliotis-James for his response, saying: “So a trainer there, fairly indignant along with your strike motion and notably with what you are asking for on pay, Thomas.”

After several seconds of silence, Mr Edwards added: “Oh, we appeared to have misplaced Thomas. Well, that is a disgrace, or he has nothing to say in response… I do not know if we’re going to try to get him again? We will attempt however with little religion I believe.”

Earlier in the interview, Dr Cheliotis-James had said talks with the Labour Government continued until Tuesday night but “sadly they did not make sufficient progress”.

He added: “We hope to make progress throughout all areas of this dispute, together with pay, after this industrial motion.”

The embarrassing on-air moment came as thousands of resident doctors began their 14th strike since 2023, cancelling appointments and operations at the worst possible time for the NHS.

Hospitals are battling record flu admissions driven by a dominant H3N2 strain, with warnings of a potential later surge in influenza B affecting children. NHS leaders say disruption from the walkout – estimated to cost £250 million – will be felt into January and February.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting apologised to patients, insisting the government did “every part we might” to avert action, including 11th-hour talks. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the strike “harmful and totally irresponsible”, urging doctors: “Don’t abandon sufferers.”