Hugh Townsend 💙

Health policy/ medical employment expert with an interest in the SE of Eng, SAS Drs & IVF. Pragmatic Remainer. Enjoys running & good coffee ☕️.
Views my own.

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Several people have asked what i thought of @Keir_Starmer
I think he was a dignified, calm leader working with a chaotic background. I dont think we need yet another PM but I hope @andyburnham can unify the party and country and win another gen election for @UKLabour

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

There's nothing quite like a morning jog along the beach to start the day. 🌞 #ARM2026 #Brighton

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

It must be hugely embarrassing to be so obscenely wealthy and yet to have decided not to use that to make the world a better place...
You could eradicate preventable disease, provide universal education, clean water, invest in science 😔
https://t.co/p7kgxaJu0l

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

I am rather envious of this but I think I would have massive FOMO, lose touch with some friends and become far less informed about politics and the news.
📱Would you be able to give up your smartphone?
https://t.co/KWsjHPAqAF

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

RDC Officers, led by Jack, have worked relentlessly this year 👏 
This offer isn’t FPR & isn’t perfect, though it has some merits. 
Strike participation remains strong & many believe we can get more. 
If you want @BMAResidents to keep pushing, vote no & let us keep fighting.

[The BMA @TheBMA]

At the last moment, ahead of next week’s action, the Government has moved and made a new offer for resident doctors in England.

Strikes for 15–19 June have been called off while members vote on a new offer covering jobs, pay and progression.

The choice is yours:
Vote YES and accept the offer, or vote NO and return to escalated industrial action.

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Supporting #Palestinian rights, challenging the actions of the Israeli government, & standing firmly against antisemitism in the UK are not contradictory. As Bishop Rachel Treweek argues, we need a “both–and” approach. I agree! #StandAgainstAntisemitism
https://t.co/MUKVP9TC4D

[Shazia Karim @ShazBMA]

Can we share again the Consultant Ballot Envelopes being returned

Consultants in England - vote YES #2026 #togetherwearestronger

@BMA_Consultants @TheBMA

@trentconsultant @ShanuDatta4

[GMB London Region @GMBLondonRegion]

✊Our members at @TheBMA are back out on the picket line and they won’t back down.

They’re striking for a better pay deal for themselves and their colleagues. It’s time for BMA management to listen & put an improved offer on the table.

Enough is enough. No more pay erosion.
#FairPayattheBMA

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Saddened to be forced to take another day of staff strike action today. No management offer, no negotiations and no progress.
Desperate to get on with my job and be fairly paid for my experience and expertise.

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

On strike today. ☹
I’d rather be doing what I do best: supporting Drs, leading my region, representing @TheBMA members, organising RD action & backing consultants & SAS against a derisory 3.5%. ✊
A 2.75% staff offer forced this.
@GMB_union

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Watching a really good series on @BBC - Babies.
Would very much recommend for anyone that wants to understand the impact of baby loss/ infertility. It's awkward and real and very, very sad 😢 https://t.co/LYC6XU5ZXZ

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

On strike today. ☹
I’d rather be doing what I do best: supporting Drs, leading my region, representing @TheBMA members, organising RD action & backing consultants & SAS against a derisory 3.5%. ✊
A 2.75% staff offer forced this.
@GMB_union

[Daily Express @Daily_Express]

Hundreds of workers at the British Medical Association have walked out for two days as the GMB union say they want "to be treated with respect and have a fair pay increase" 🔴 #dailyexpress #news #protest #strike

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Why does @easyjet continue to use non recyclable cups yet offer on board recycling ♻️?

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

I fear the answer is… not long!
Trusts are increasingly squeezing staff & losing any goodwill left. NHS staff want to look after patients whilst feeling valued & respected. How valued do you feel when you don’t get time for lunch, use bins as a seats & have to haggle for breaks?

[BMA Students @BMAstudents]

Why are resident doctors going on strike? 

While patients wait longer to be seen in A&E, too many qualified doctors who could treat them can’t get a training job.

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

🍂 As autumn settles in, it's not just the leaves that are changing—ICB mergers, new BMA councils, fresh priorities.
BMA MR strategy day today. Let’s keep building trust, clarity, and momentum & lead with courage & care. #Leadership #Motivation #OctoberMomentum

[Chris Doyle @Doylech]

The Israeli denial of entry to these two MPs, both doctors is deeply regrettable. Visiting the occupied Palestinian territory and seeing humanitarian and medical projects should not be subject to an Israeli veto.

[BMA Consultants @BMA_Consultants]

Important update for Consultants in England. 📢👇

It's time to restore pay, pensions and value.

[Hugh Townsend 💙 @nhscommentary]

Arguably the biggest challenge and fear facing Resident doctors nowadays...

[Alison Moore @alijanemoore also on Bluesky @AliJaneMoore]

Interesting to see the Economist has picked up on the issues around new doctors' allocations for foundation jobs. Not sure there is an easy solution (especially as the SJT was such a questionable exam). https://t.co/NqGUSBn40Y

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

FIFA should drop Coca-Cola as sponsors of the 2025 Club World Cup, which begins this week, urge @DoctorChrisVT and @CMonteiro_USP.

"It's normalising excessive sugar consumption, contradicting the principles of fitness and health that sport represents”
https://t.co/GUj9TKFePS