Now the GPs could strike! Doctors 'overwhelmingly' reject new NHS contract that ... trends now
GP surgeries could be forced to close within as little as six months as a new NHS contract will leave many financially unviable, doctors have warned.
The British Medical Association raised the alarm as it revealed members have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to reject Government changes to their terms of service.
The outcome takes family doctors a step closer to industrial action later this year, which could disrupt patient care.
However, a Government source said there will be no further negotiations and the 2024/25 contract will be imposed from April 1 despite the result.
More than 19,000 GPs and GP registrars took part in the union’s referendum, with 99.2 per cent voting ‘no’ when asked if they would accept the deal.
The British Medical Association raised the alarm as it revealed members have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to reject Government changes to their terms of service
The vote was not a formal trade union ballot but billed as a ‘temperature check’ of the profession, which will inform future steps.
The BMA said family doctors feel ‘frustrated, angry and upset’ and claimed the contract will see practices given a ‘well below-inflation 1.9 per cent baseline practice contract funding uplift’.
This means ‘many practices will struggle to stay financially viable over the next six to 12 months and risk closure’, it added.
The Mail reported earlier this year that the BMA had set out an approximate timeline for potential industrial action by GPs this winter, which could coincide with the general election campaign.
There will need to be a formal ballot for industrial action before a strike or action short of a strike can take place.
Collective action could include closing practice list to new patients or working to rule.
A government source said: ‘We have imposed the contract so that’s not really subject of further debate.
‘The new contract cuts red tape - and there may well be further pay uplifts as a result of the independent review process on remuneration.'
Around 2,400 more GPs have joined the union since the beginning of February, meaning 70 per cent of qualified GPs are now members.
Dr Katie
