On 12 January 2016, junior doctors took part in a general strike across the NHS in England for the first time since 1975. At the centre of the dispute was the weekend effect. The ex-health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, had repeatedly use this effect to back his push for 24/7 NHS and the new junior doctor contract in 2016. This episode will explore the concept of weekend effect and how its research is complicated by confounding factors.

The HLA is approved by The Institute of Leadership & Management, is a certified member of Social Enterprises UK, and is commissioned by Health Education England North East and Health Education England South West. The HLA partners with Medics.Academy and through Medics.Academy its programme is accredited by the Medical School at the University of Central Lancashire. The HLA is also supported by University College London’s Academic Careers Office.