BMA backs RCGP over NHS reform protest

The leaders of the profession are preparing to unite to attack aspects of the White Paper reforms, GP understands.

Dr Helena McKeown: BMA shares the fears of the RCGP chairwoman (Photograph: J Heath Lancy)

The BMA Council last week passed a motion in support of concerns expressed by RCGP chairwoman Dr Clare Gerada about NHS reforms.

GPC member Dr Helena McKeown said the council shared Dr Gerada's fears about the direction of travel of the White Paper.

GPs were particularly concerned over the profession being made responsible for rationing treatment, as well as plans to scale back NICE's role, Dr McKeown said.

Dr Gerada has warned that making GPs ration care could wreck their relationship with patients.

A second motion was also passed that committed the BMA to put together an open letter about these concerns.

Dr McKeown said she expects the most senior 100 names in the profession to be on the list, including members of the BMA council, the RCGP council and GPC members.

'I felt that until today, people were being gradually boiled without noticing,' Dr McKeown said.

Dr David Wrigley, a GP in Lancashire who raised the motions, said this was the next step in tackling the government and health secretary Andrew Lansley over NHS reforms.

He said: 'I have obviously got concerns about the direction for the NHS.

'It's important to highlight the issues raised by Dr Clare Gerada, which the BMA took on board.'

Have you registered with us yet?

Register now to enjoy more articles and free email bulletins

Register

Already registered?

Sign in


Just published

RCGP sign at the college's annual conference

RCGP working group to explore implications of assisted dying law change

The RCGP is to set up a working group to look at the 'practical implications' of...

Spirometry

Abysmal access to testing leaves GPs 'guessing' on lung diagnosis, charity warns

GPs are being forced to make 'educated guesses' when diagnosing common lung conditions...

BMA Scotland GP committee chair Dr Andrew Buist

'Disappointing' uplift falls short of 6% pay rise promised to GPs in Scotland

A 'disappointing' uplift to contract funding worth £60.4m in 2023/24 will not deliver...

Person selecting medicine in a dispensary

Dispensing GPs demand funding overhaul to ensure services remain viable

Dispensing doctors have demanded improved representation in GP contract negotiations,...

GP consultation room

GPs seeing cases of malnutrition and rickets as cost-of-living crisis hits patient health

Three quarters of GPs are seeing a rise in patients with problems linked to the cost-of-living...

Female GP listening to a patient

What GPs need to know about changes to Good Medical Practice

Dr Udvitha Nandasoma, the MDU’s head of advisory services, explains what GPs need...