Jeremy Hunt's assumption that the British Medical Association (BMA) is misleading junior doctors is "unnecessary, insulting and inflammatory", an anaesthetist has said.
Nadia Masood, who has been a junior doctor for 11 years, said that she was "regrettably" planning to strike on Wednesday to protect the care of patients in the face of the proposed contract changes.
Over the weekend the Health Secretary accused the union of behaving in a "totally irresponsible way" and "spreading misinformation" about the proposed deal.
The 34-year-old doctor said: "Imagine an air plane being grounded for the day: it's not ideal, but the alternative of flying in unsafe conditions is much worse. The unsafe conditions are the new junior doctors' contract.
"The BMA are representing all of our views when they speak, and I would like to categorically state I have not been misled by them or anyone else.
"The frequent assumptions by Jeremy Hunt to this effect are not only unnecessary, but insulting and inflammatory."
She said it would be "reckless" and "endanger public safety" if Mr Hunt forced doctors to work weekends without investing in more doctors, as staffing levels would worsen.
"Doctors are here for the public every minute, every hour, and every day of the year," she said.
"We ask them to stand united with us and ask the Government to listen to our voices. Please protect the future safety of the British public, and do not impose this contract."
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