Doctors threatened industrial action last night in a dramatic escalation in the row over face-to-face appointments.
The British Medical Association voted unanimously to reject plans aimed at improving patients’ access to GPs.
They claimed they ‘had no alternative’ but to hold a ballot on industrial action to reduce the volume of work required of family doctors.
Last week Health Secretary Sajid Javid unveiled a nine-point package to help patients, telling GPs they can only deny in-person consultations if there is a good clinical reason.
But the BMA last night instructed all 6,600 GP practices to defy the proposals – a move described as ‘a kick in the teeth’ by campaigners. The union said doctors should refuse to participate in the ‘naming and shaming’ of GP surgeries which fail to see enough patients in person.
Doctors threatened industrial action last night in a dramatic escalation in the row over face-to-face appointments, described as a 'kick in the teeth for millions of patients' (stock image)
As well as refusing to comply with the Government’s new measures, the BMA’s GP committee backed industrial action over two specific requirements in their new contract.
They plan to ballot members on whether GPs should refuse to comply with new rules on ‘pay transparency’, which would mean those earning over £150,000 are named.
GPs will also be balloted on whether they should refuse to oversee medical exemptions for people who cannot get vaccinated, which doctors say adds to their workload.
The threat of industrial action represents the first major clash between the BMA and ministers since the junior doctors’ strike five years ago. Patient groups warned that the ‘provocative move’ risked plunging the NHS into deeper crisis, causing misery for the millions trapped on record waiting lists.
The Daily Mail has been campaigning for a return to face-to-face GP appointments as default amid concerns the move to online appointments during the pandemic has led to diseases including cancer being missed.
Before the pandemic, 80 per cent of appointments were in person. But now this has fallen to just 57 per cent.
Last week the Government unveiled a £250million support package as part of a nine-point plan to ensure all patients can see a doctor in person if they want.
But at a meeting yesterday the BMA’s GP committee formally rejected the measures and encouraged doctors not to comply with the ‘worst aspects’ of the plan.
Last week Health Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured) unveiled a nine-point package to help patients, telling GPs they can only deny in-person consultations if there is a clinical reason
Dr Richard Vautrey, chairman of the committee, said: ‘GPs have been left with no alternative but to take this action.
