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Doctors 'wrong to penalise patients over pensions' | |
(40 minutes later) | |
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News | By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News |
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has condemned doctors for "penalising" patients in their pensions dispute. | |
The first industrial action by doctors for nearly 40 years got under way at midnight with doctors across the UK boycotting non-urgent care. | |
Routine hospital appointments and non-emergency operations are being targeted while GPs are also taking part. | |
Mr Lansley said doctors were wrong to hit patient care, although the extent of the disruption is not yet clear. | |
He said the British Medical Association - the doctors' trade union - had failed to recognise economic and political realities. | |
And he added: "I can't see why anybody thinks there is any benefit in penalising patients. It won't serve any purpose whatsoever." | |
How much patients are affected, however, will depend on the number of doctors taking part and how rigorously they enforce the action. | |
Ahead of Thursday, some hospitals were saying fewer than 10% of bookings had been cancelled because doctors were still prepared to see patients. | |
GP surgeries the BBC talked to also said they were keeping disruption to a minimum with some still running routine clinics even though they supported the action. | |
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. | |
Every day the NHS carries out about 36,000 non-emergency operations and 240,000 hospital appointments as well as seeing 1.5m people in GP surgeries. | Every day the NHS carries out about 36,000 non-emergency operations and 240,000 hospital appointments as well as seeing 1.5m people in GP surgeries. |
'Distress' | |
The BMA has over 100,000 members - about two-thirds of the profession. | The BMA has over 100,000 members - about two-thirds of the profession. |
Half responded to the ballot with eight in 10 voting in favour of taking action. | Half responded to the ballot with eight in 10 voting in favour of taking action. |
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. |
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, which apply to England and Wales but could be introduced elsewhere in the UK, are necessary. | |
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. |