GP practices have voted overwhelmingly for punitive action against the government in the dispute over appointments systems, it was revealed last night.

New GP leader Dr Farah Jameel called for the government and media to “step back from the rhetoric of division” and avoid a damaging showdown.
The long-awaited findings of the GP ballot show doctors most reluctant to do damage to primary care networks – although they could opt out if there is no solution to the dispute.

Practices, with 80% support, voted to take part in a “coordinated and continuous” change to appointment systems, a move thought to mean abandoning or reducing phone consultations, leading to increased waiting times for patients. 84% said they would be willing to refuse requests for COVID vaccination certificates. Some 1,798 practices responded to the British Medical Association survey, representing just over a third of the practices surveyed. The survey went to all practices with at least one BMA member.

Just 39% said they would disengage from primary care network extended services without notice – but a majority, 57%, said they would do this at the next opt out period. The findings were released at the annual conference of local medical committees.

Dr Jameel, new chair of the BM GP committee, told the conference: “The results showed that GPs and practice staff are frustrated, struggling and are desperate to see change, it is an overwhelming expression of sentiment, a sentiment of discontent and disappointment. General practice is ready to break, and mark my words, without us the NHS will fail and the principles we all hold dear, the values of fairness and equality which make the NHS so revered and so admired, will all be lost.”

She went on: “My election as the new leader of GPC England represents an opportunity for a reset. It is, naturally, a fresh start for the committee but it also needs to be a fresh start for the profession. We need to rebuild our workforce and firmly place wellbeing at the heart of our priorities. We need to give GPs time to see the patients who need them the most, time to lead their teams, time to keep up to date with the revolution in healthcare, and time to look after themselves. We need to learn the lessons of the pandemic and work with patients and partner organisations to develop the models of consultation for the future based on a blend of traditional and cutting-edge technology. Today, I offer the Government and the media the opportunity to participate in this fresh start – to step back from the rhetoric of division, to reflect on the dedication that general practice has shown in the most difficult of circumstances and to demonstrate a willingness to work together to create solutions to this crisis.”