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Disruption to patients 'more limited than feared' Disruption to patients 'more limited than feared'
(31 minutes later)
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC NewsBy Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Patients have had appointments and surgery cancelled due to the doctors' industrial action but the total impact appears to be more limited than feared.Patients have had appointments and surgery cancelled due to the doctors' industrial action but the total impact appears to be more limited than feared.
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.
The union estimates four out of five hospitals have been hit, while a third of GP practices are taking part.The union estimates four out of five hospitals have been hit, while a third of GP practices are taking part.
But reports from individual areas suggest in most cases less than 10% of patients are being affected. But reports from individual areas suggest in most cases 10% or less of patients are being affected.
In some ways, this was what the doctors had intended from their day of action - their first for nearly 40 years.In some ways, this was what the doctors had intended from their day of action - their first for nearly 40 years.
The BMA leadership was always clear that doctors would turn up for work and ensure emergency and urgent services would run.The BMA leadership was always clear that doctors would turn up for work and ensure emergency and urgent services would run.
This has meant that GP surgeries, A&E units and maternity departments were always going to remain open while tests for conditions such as cancer would still take place.This has meant that GP surgeries, A&E units and maternity departments were always going to remain open while tests for conditions such as cancer would still take place.
WarningsWarnings
But figures from those areas that have released information show that only a minority of non-urgent bookings have had to be rearranged.But figures from those areas that have released information show that only a minority of non-urgent bookings have had to be rearranged.
  • Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital has only cancelled three out of 100 non-emergency operations and 38 out of 2,000 routine appointments.
  • In Northamptonshire eight out of 10 surgeries are expected to offer normal or near-normal services.
  • One in 10 operations have been hit at the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital and 71 out of 1,400 routine appointments.
  • Barnsley Hospital has cancelled eight operations and a quarter of outpatient appointments.
  • Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital has only cancelled three out of 100 non-emergency operations and 38 out of 2,000 routine appointments.
  • In Northamptonshire eight out of 10 surgeries are offering normal or near-normal services.
  • One in 10 operations have been hit at the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital and 71 out of 1,400 routine appointments.
  • Barnsley Hospital has cancelled eight operations and a quarter of outpatient appointments.
  • Across London nearly 500 operations have been cancelled - 10% of the total - while one in 10 appointments have had to be rearranged.
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The emerging picture contrasts with warnings from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in the lead-up to the action.The emerging picture contrasts with warnings from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in the lead-up to the action.
He said many of the 30,000 non-emergency operations, including knee and hip operations, 200,000 hospital appointments and 1.25m visits to GP surgeries in England could be hit.He said many of the 30,000 non-emergency operations, including knee and hip operations, 200,000 hospital appointments and 1.25m visits to GP surgeries in England could be hit.
Nonetheless, he still criticised doctors for targeting patients.Nonetheless, he still criticised doctors for targeting patients.
On Thursday, he said: "I can't see why anybody thinks there is any benefit in penalising patients. It won't serve any purpose whatsoever."On Thursday, he said: "I can't see why anybody thinks there is any benefit in penalising patients. It won't serve any purpose whatsoever."
ArgumentArgument
The BMA has more than 100,000 members - about two-thirds of the profession.The BMA has more than 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.
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.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.