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Non-urgent care targeted by doctors' industrial action Non-urgent care targeted by doctors' industrial action
(about 7 hours later)
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC NewsBy Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
The first industrial action by doctors for almost 40 years is under way.The first industrial action by doctors for almost 40 years is under way.
British Medical Association members across the UK are boycotting non-urgent care in a dispute over pensions.British Medical Association members across the UK are boycotting non-urgent care in a dispute over pensions.
Routine hospital appointments and non-emergency operations will be affected, while GPs are also taking part.Routine hospital appointments and non-emergency operations will be affected, while GPs are also taking part.
The scale and the extent of the disruption to patients is not yet clear, although doctors have promised not to target emergency care.The scale and the extent of the disruption to patients is not yet clear, although doctors have promised not to target emergency care.
Much will depend on how many doctors take part.Much will depend on how many doctors take part.
Most medics working in the NHS are members of the BMA. The BMA has over 100,000 members - about two thirds of the profession.
The union balloted 104,000 doctors about industrial action and half responded. Half responded to the ballot with eight in 10 voting in favour of taking action.
Eight in 10 were in favour of taking action.
Ahead of the action, some NHS trusts were saying fewer than 10% of bookings had been cancelled.Ahead of the action, some NHS trusts were saying fewer than 10% of bookings had been cancelled.
These included appointments with consultants and operations such as knee and hip replacements.These included appointments with consultants and operations such as knee and hip replacements.
However, it is possible there will be cancellations on the day as doctors do not have to tell their employers whether they are taking part.However, it is possible there will be cancellations on the day as doctors do not have to tell their employers whether they are taking part.
'Distress''Distress'
Both the government and BMA have been quick to stress that patients should still seek help if they need it.Both the government and BMA have been quick to stress that patients should still seek help if they need it.
A&E units and maternity departments will remain open.A&E units and maternity departments will remain open.
GP telephone lines will also be staffed and anyone needing an urgent appointment should get one.GP telephone lines will also be staffed and anyone needing an urgent appointment should get one.
Only routine check-ups have been cancelled by GPs.Only routine check-ups have been cancelled by GPs.
However, NHS leaders have warned the disruption to patients could be worse than expected.However, NHS leaders have warned the disruption to patients could be worse than expected.
NHS Employers director Dean Royles said the industrial action could lead to surges in demand in places such as A&E units.NHS Employers director Dean Royles said the industrial action could lead to surges in demand in places such as A&E units.
He added: "We are deeply concerned about the distress it will cause patients."He added: "We are deeply concerned about the distress it will cause patients."
'Changes necessary''Changes necessary'
BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: "Our intention is not to have the maximum impact on the public.BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: "Our intention is not to have the maximum impact on the public.
"Our argument's not with the public. It's with the government."Our argument's not with the public. It's with the government.
"Yes people will be inconvenienced but we want to get back to real discussions, sensible discussions about how we can move forward.""Yes people will be inconvenienced but we want to get back to real discussions, sensible discussions about how we can move forward."
The BMA has argued the government is wrong to try to change the current arrangements because a new deal was only agreed in 2008.The BMA has argued the government is wrong to try to change the current arrangements because a new deal was only agreed in 2008.
It has pointed out that the current scheme is bringing in a surplus of £2bn a year and under the new plans they are being asked to contribute much more than other high earners in the public sector.It has pointed out that the current scheme is bringing in a surplus of £2bn a year and under the new plans they are being asked to contribute much more than other high earners in the public sector.
Under the plans, doctors will be asked to work for longer - until 68 - and contribute more of their pay.Under the plans, doctors will be asked to work for longer - until 68 - and contribute more of their pay.
But ministers have insisted the changes are necessary.But ministers have insisted the changes are necessary.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "The BMA has failed to recognise the economic and political realities.Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "The BMA has failed to recognise the economic and political realities.
"We all wish there was more money to go round but there isn't, everyone is having to tighten their belts.""We all wish there was more money to go round but there isn't, everyone is having to tighten their belts."
Will you be affected by the industrial action? Will you be taking part? Send us your views using the form below.Will you be affected by the industrial action? Will you be taking part? Send us your views using the form below.