‘Vast majority of GPs’ oppose government plans

A survey released by the British Medical Authority (BMA) has revealed that the vast majority of GPs opposed both government options regarding extended practicising hours.

Of the two permitted options, 92 per cent selected Option A over Option B, but a total of 96 per cent expressed their displeasure with both options, with most claiming that Option B is the least worse of the two options.

Furthermore, 98 per cent of GPs said that the government’s method of negotiations for changes to the most recent GP contract was unacceptable, with 27,000 GPs responding to the BMA poll.

While expressing their unhappiness with the contract negotiations, 97 per cent of English GPs stated that they have no confidence of the government’s handling of the NHS with 93 per cent believing that the incorporation of private providers into NHS general practice will be bad for the service and patients.

Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the the GP committee of the BMA, said: “The government must take heed of the strength of feeling shown in this poll.

“It cannot be good to have such a key part of the health workforce feeling disengaged from the way the government is handling the health service.”

He added that GPs must feel that they have the government’s trust and not be bullied and micromanaged.

Earlier this month, the National Audit Office revealed that the recent GP contract cost the Department of Health 1.76 billion pounds more than had been budgeted for.