Phil Banfield

Jan 23, 2025 | thedoctor.bma.org.uk | Phil Banfield

Being BMA council chair is an incredible privilege for me for so many reasons. It’s been an honour to lead the medical profession through unprecedented industrial action but it has been your organised commitment to our shared goals that has delivered real improvements for doctors. With this unity we are becoming a stronger fighting trade union while our expertise as a professional association navigates scientific, ethical and controversial matters important to you as our members.

Aug 8, 2024 | bma.org.uk | Phil Banfield

We understand that discussion around this issue has been difficult in the medical community, in society, and indeed within the BMA itself. As clinicians, one of the most difficult parts of medicine is caring for patients with complex needs in a system that too commonly lacks the resources to provide them with adequate support.

May 15, 2024 | telegraph.co.uk | Phil Banfield

I’ve always been proud to serve as a small but critical and enduring cog in an NHS machine once considered one of the best health services in the world. But for over a decade, I’ve seen standards of patient safety steadily crumble, and fear spread amongst doctors who dare to raise concerns over unacceptable and preventable harm. For some, their careers are over for trying to highlight such awful events.

Mar 1, 2024 | bma.org.uk | Phil Banfield

It’s now over 4 years since the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic which immeasurably changed our society and our lives. On Sunday 3rd March the BMA is marking the fourth annual Day of Reflection to remember the people who died during the pandemic. When I think back to its start, I recall the initial reports emerging from Wuhan, and then the steady, inexorable and terrifying spread, through central and southern Europe, leaving overwhelmed people and systems in its wake.

Feb 27, 2024 | bmj.com | Phil Banfield

Dear editor,The below letter was sent to Dr Qureshi and colleagues on 23 February 2024. We are happy for it to be published in full:Dear colleagues, Thank you for your letter and apologies for the delay owing to some developments over the last few weeks which we felt would be important to include in our response. We understand you have now, subsequently, asked several further questions which we will consider and respond to soon.