This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18254499#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Doctors vote in favour of industrial action Doctors target non-urgent care in industrial action
(40 minutes later)
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC NewsBy Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
A majority of doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action over changes to their pensions. Doctors will stop providing non-urgent care for a day next month in the first industrial action by the profession for nearly 40 years.
The British Medical Association balloted more than 104,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair. The move comes after a majority of doctors voted in favour of action in a British Medical Association ballot of 104,000 members over pension changes.
Half responded, with 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voting in favour. The 24-hour day of action will take place on 21 June.
The union's leadership will confirm its plans later, having previously ruled out a full-out strike. The union said emergency care would still take place as doctors did not want to put patients at risk.
However, the ballot does give the union a mandate for one, but instead it has already said it will target non-urgent care. Of those balloted, half responded. Among the main groups of doctors the results were overwhelming.
Operations cancelled Some 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voted in favour.
Industrial action would mean elective operations such as knee and hip replacements being cancelled. Disruptive
GP practices would remain open, but routine appointments would not take place. By targeting non-urgent care, elective operations such as knee and hip replacements will be hit.
But tests for conditions such as cancer would still take place, while A&E units and maternity services would run as normal. GP practices will remain open, but routine appointments will not take place, the BMA said.
If action is taken it will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken such a step. But patients will still get tests for conditions such as cancer, while A&E units and maternity services will run as normal.
It will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken industrial action.
Unions representing a host of health professionals, including paramedics, admin staff and porters, have already taken part in strikes over pension changes.Unions representing a host of health professionals, including paramedics, admin staff and porters, have already taken part in strikes over pension changes.
But the Royal College of Nursing, one of the most influential voices inside the NHS alongside the BMA, has yet to decide what it will do.But the Royal College of Nursing, one of the most influential voices inside the NHS alongside the BMA, has yet to decide what it will do.
It has held a ballot where the majority rejected the government's pension changes, but the turnout was low.It has held a ballot where the majority rejected the government's pension changes, but the turnout was low.
Under the plans, which apply to England and Wales but could be introduced elsewhere in the UK, the age at which doctors retire would rise from 65 to 68 by 2015.Under the plans, which apply to England and Wales but could be introduced elsewhere in the UK, the age at which doctors retire would rise from 65 to 68 by 2015.
The contributions doctors have to make are also due to rise.The contributions doctors have to make are also due to rise.
The union has also pointed out that the current scheme - which was only agreed as recently as 2008 - brings in a £2bn a year surplus. The union has also questioned government claims that the current scheme - which was only agreed as recently as 2008 - was unsustainable, pointing out it brings in a £2bn a year surplus.
But the BMA said it was not making any comment on the ballot results until its council - the leadership body of the union - met later. BMA leader Dr Hamish Meldrum said while the action would be disruptive, doctors would ensure that patient safety was not compromised.
The Department of Health has said the changes are "proportionate and reasonable". He added: "We are taking this step very reluctantly, and would far prefer to negotiate for a fairer solution.
It said a new doctor joining the new scheme could still expect a pension of more than £53,000. "But this clear mandate for action - on a very high turnout - reflects just how let down doctors feel by the government's unwillingness to find a fairer approach to the latest pension changes."
But the Department of Health has maintained the changes it was making were "proportionate and reasonable".
It said a new doctor joining the new scheme could still expect a pension of more than £53,000 a year.
Dean Royles, director of NHS Employers, said: "We know that doctors are anxious about changes to their pensions. But no one wants to see patients dragged into the argument.Dean Royles, director of NHS Employers, said: "We know that doctors are anxious about changes to their pensions. But no one wants to see patients dragged into the argument.
"Industrial action could potentially mean delays to treatment. It would be particularly distressing for patients and extremely worrying for staff who are dedicated to putting patients first.""Industrial action could potentially mean delays to treatment. It would be particularly distressing for patients and extremely worrying for staff who are dedicated to putting patients first."
The BMA has produced a href="http://pensiontension.co.uk/" >website that calculates how doctors are affected by the changes. Are you a doctor? What is your reaction to the vote in favour of industrial action? What do you think about the planned changes to pensions? You can send us your comments using the form below.
Are you a doctor? What is your reaction to the vote in favour of industrial action? What do you think about the planned changes pensions? You can send us your comments using the form below.