NHS GPs to take industrial action for first time in 60 years in bitter row over pay and working conditions
NHS GPs have voted to take industrial action for the first time in decades in a row over pay and working conditions.
Members of the British Medical Association landed 98 per cent in favour of the protest.
They will not walk out in a full strike but can pick from a list of 10 ways to work less.
BMA leaders said family doctors are “at the end of their tether”.
Forms of industrial action might include capping the number of daily appointments, refusing to do overtime, or refusing to sign paperwork like prescriptions or sick notes.
GPs say they are not being paid enough and are overworked because there is not enough cash to hire new doctors.
This is an act of desperation – practices are struggling to keep the lights on
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer
Dozens of practices are closing for good each year as staff burn out.
In a ballot that closed on Monday, 8,518 out of 12,590 BMA members voted and 98.3 per cent voted yes to industrial action.
Doctors said the protest would be a “slow burn” and strain on other parts of the NHS will build up over weeks or months.
It will likely mean patients face longer waits for care.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of BMA’s GP committee, said: “We had a huge response to this ballot, and the results are clear – GPs are at the end of their tether.
“This is an act of desperation.
“For too long, we’ve been unable to provide the care we want to and the era of the family doctor has been wiped out by recent Governments and our patients are suffering as a result.
“Practices are now struggling to keep the lights on, can’t afford to hire much needed GPs and other staff, and some have even closed for good.
“General practice should be the front door of the NHS, not the doormat.”
Health secretary pleads ‘don’t punish patients’
GPs have not taken industrial action since 1964.
The result comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged doctors not to punish patients for the state of the NHS.
The BMA threatened at the weekend to “bring the NHS to a standstill” with the protest.
Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Streeting said: “I can understand why GPs wanted to punish the previous government, but taking collective action will only punish patients.
“I’m asking GPs to work with us, so we can rebuild the NHS and deliver the service patients deserve.”
Health chiefs warned patients might suffer delays but they should still contact the doctor if they need help.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS director for primary care, said: “GPs and their teams are the bedrock of the NHS, and we recognise they are working really hard and dealing with record demand.
“On behalf of patients, the NHS has a duty to plan for collective action, and we will continue to work with government to find a resolution and end collective action.
“Our message to the public remains the same – they should continue to come forward for care during this collective action, as GP practices will remain open.”