GP BMA referendum results

In a resounding vote of no confidence, GPs in England have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed contract changes for 2024/25. The British Medical Association (BMA) held a referendum, with a turnout of over 61% and a staggering 99.2% of participating GPs voting "no" to the contract. 

This outcome lays bare deep dissatisfaction with the government's approach to general practice funding and working conditions. The BMA had vehemently opposed the contract, particularly the meager funding increase of just 1.9%. They argued that this fails to address the already unsustainable pressures general practices face, potentially leading to further service cuts and even practice closures. These closures would have a devastating impact on patient access to primary care, a cornerstone of the NHS. 

The referendum results present a significant challenge for the government and NHS England. While not a legally binding vote, the near-unanimous rejection underscores the deep frustration felt by GPs. 

Several possibilities now lie ahead: 

Renegotiation: The BMA has expressed its hope for renewed negotiations with the government to address the concerns raised by GPs. This could involve securing a more substantial funding increase alongside changes to workload expectations. The BMA argues that fairer workload allocation is crucial for ensuring patient safety and preventing physician burnout. 

Industrial Action: The BMA has not ruled out the possibility of industrial action if the government fails to respond meaningfully. This could range from working to rule, where GPs strictly adhere to contracted working hours, to more disruptive measures. 

A Looming Exodus?: A major concern is that the current funding situation could exacerbate the worrying trend of practice closures. This would have a domino effect, not only limiting patient access to primary care but also increasing the burden on remaining practices. 

The BMA referendum outcome serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis facing general practice in England. The government and NHS England must now work constructively with the BMA to find a solution that ensures the long-term sustainability of primary care services. This requires not just increased funding but also addressing systemic issues that contribute to workload pressures and physician burnout. 

The future course of action remains uncertain. However, the BMA referendum has undoubtedly sent a clear message to the government: general practice is at a crossroads, and decisive action is needed to safeguard the future of patient care in England.