The BMA is suggesting a spread of various actions might be taken by GPs, however it will likely be as much as GPs themselves to resolve what they wish to do.
One choice is to restrict the variety of sufferers they see to 25 a day – which the BMA deems to be the protected stage. If each GP caught to that it might cut back the variety of appointments by a 3rd, however it’s unclear what number of will comply with the work-to-rule.
Not all GPs are BMA members and turnout within the poll was slightly below 70%. The BMA mentioned the impression is prone to be a “sluggish burn” somewhat than a “huge bang”.
GPs may additionally refuse to hold out exams and assessments for hospitals pre or post-treatment, and will ignore pointers on rationing therapies which are put in place to permit the NHS to prioritise probably the most in-need sufferers.
The BMA believes none of this motion will put GPs in breach of their contract. GP practices are primarily unbiased companies, so they’re paid a lump sum by the NHS to ship care and subsequently aren’t immediately employed.
BMA GP chief Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer mentioned: “GPs are on the finish of their tether. That is an act of desperation. For too lengthy, we’ve been unable to offer the care we wish to.
“We’re witnessing normal observe being damaged. The period of the household physician has been worn out by consecutive governments and our sufferers are struggling because of this.”
The motion being taken doesn’t depend as formal industrial motion and subsequently the union can stick with it with the work-to-rule indefinitely.
