The BMA has paid tribute to the victims, survivors, and doctors who cared for the injured from the 7/7 London bombings, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
One of the four bombs that exploded on 7 July 2005 detonated on a bus outside the BMA’s London headquarters in Tavistock Square at 9:47am. In all, 13 passengers were killed, and dozens were injured.
Around 15 doctors who were working at BMA House – many of whom were GPs – turned the building into a makeshift hospital to attend to these casualties as they waited to be taken to hospital.
Dr Peter Holden, BMA Treasurer, a GP and one of the doctors responding to the aftermath at BMA House that day, said: ‘20 years on, the memories of that day remain vivid.
‘The devastation was unlike anything we had seen before – but so too was the courage of BMA members and staff, the emergency teams and medical staff who came together to help.
‘The doctors who responded that day weren’t superheroes – they were professionals trained to stay calm, think clearly, and do what was needed. It’s a testament to the medical community’s commitment that so many risked their own safety to care for others.
‘It is also important to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of staff, including the porters, and those working at BMA house on the day who supported our efforts.
‘On this anniversary, we remember those we lost, the lives forever changed, and the colleagues who stood shoulder to shoulder in the darkest of hours.’
Speaking at the coroner’s inquest into the attacks in 2011, Dr Holden estimated that some ambulances did not arrive until an hour after the blast, but he rejected suggestions that the delays could have contributed to any deaths.
‘I said at the time to colleagues, when we were debriefing at, what, 12.15, 12.20, something like: “If you actually look at it, apart from those who had died, people who left us left us in better condition than they’d arrived”.’
Three other bombs were detonated that day on underground trains at Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square. A total of 52 people were killed by the attacks with hundreds more injured.
Memorials for victims are taking place across London today, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan laying wreaths at the official 7/7 Memorial at Hyde Park.
The BMA held a private ceremony earlier today in the BMA garden for survivors, families who lost a loved one and staff from the emergency services and the BMA.
Dr Tom Dolphin, chair of BMA Council, said: ‘Today we remember the lives lost and the deep scars left by the 7/7 attacks, but we also honour the incredible bravery, compassion, and professionalism of BMA members, staff and our NHS colleagues who stepped forward in the face of horror.
‘They responded not only with clinical skill, but with extraordinary humanity and calm under immense pressure.
‘The legacy of 7/7 reminds us of the vital importance of well-resourced emergency services and a resilient health system able to respond at moments of national crisis.
‘As we reflect on the past two decades, we stand with the victims and survivors, and we thank all those who provided – and continue to provide – care, comfort, and strength.’
A version of this article was first published by our sister title Pulse
