GPs threaten to bring ‘NHS to a standstill’ after voting to take industrial action for first time in 60 years

Family doctors in England have threatened to bring ‘NHS to a standstill’ after voting to take industrial action for the first time in 60 years.

GPs will be able to choose from a series of actions set out by the British Medical Association (BMA) after 98.3% of more than 8,500 GPS in England who took part voted in favour.

The options include:

• Limiting daily patients to 25 – about a third fewer than normal;

• Stop engaging with the e-referral and guidance service, which allows one GP to seek advice from another clinician;

• Switching off NHS software that allows discounted or free prescriptions for some people;

• Referring patients directly to specialist care rather than following more complex NHS processes;

Family doctors in England have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking collective action for the first time in 60 years.

GPs will be able to choose from a series of actions set out by the British Medical Association (BMA) after 98.3% of more than 8,500 GPS in England who took part voted in favour.

The options include:

• Limiting daily patients to 25 – about a third fewer than normal;

• Stop engaging with the e-referral and guidance service, which allows one GP to seek advice from another clinician;

• Switching off NHS software that allows discounted or free prescriptions for some people;

• Referring patients directly to specialist care rather than following more complex NHS processes;