The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) has set out its position in light of the decision by the British Medical Association to call fresh strikes in the junior doctors' dispute.
As part of the AoMRC, the Royal College of Physicians has signed up to this statement on the proposed industrial action:
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges is disappointed at the prospect of further sustained industrial action by junior doctors. We are acutely aware that the NHS is under extreme pressure at the moment. Patient safety and quality of care must be the priority.
We know there are genuine concerns about the contract and working arrangements, but we do not consider the proposed strikes are proportionate. Five days of strike action, particularly at such short notice, will cause real problems for patients, the service and the profession.
Follow @RCPLondon for more reaction to the contract dispute and join the debate using #juniordoctors.
