All four types of doctors could take industrial action in the run-up to the general election, the head of the British Medical Association warned The Guardian.
Some 98% of LMC members voted for an ‘indicative ballot’ on industrial action back in April after deciding against taking action over the 2023/24 contract.
Consultants in England voted to strike in a ballot with 20,741 (86%) of a 24,000-doctor ballot in favour last Tuesday.
And GP trainees will join junior doctor colleagues in the longest period of industrial action ever seen, a five-day walkout beginning 7am Thursday 13 July. Union guidance advises them not to attend practice ‘at all’ during the strike.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “Recent headlines have been filled with tales of loss at sea, implosions, and rebellions – a narrative that, unfortunately, seems to echo within our own NHS. However, unlike these tragic events, the crisis within our healthcare system is not an inevitability. There is still hope, and it lies in continued dialogue and negotiation.
“While self-employed GP locums won’t be part of any ballot, we share in the deep frustration of fellow doctors who are either grappling with exhaustion or witnessing their peers endure unprecedented stress due to escalating workload.
“We know NASGP members are doing their utmost to support our colleagues, and our advice as always is to remember to care for yourself too, and take time to step away from work and recharge so that we still have energy to support others.”