NHS GPs want cash boost ‘worth £2.5b as first step’ to calling off work-to-rule protests

NHS GPs want a funding boost potentially worth £2.5billion as a “first step” to calling off work-to-rule protests.

The British Medical Association is demanding an extra £40 per patient per year, up from £112.50 to £152.50.

There are 63.5 million patients in England, putting the cost to the Treasury at around £2.5billion.

Thousands of GPs are taking action by refusing to work overtime and limiting appointments.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting last week urged them to stop.

Leader Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer said: “An extra £40 a year for each patient would help stabilise our profession and prevent the loss of any more GP surgeries.

“Doing this would be a significant first step towards us being able to call off collective action.”

Doctors would not pocket all the cash so it is not equal to a pay rise, but they can keep any surplus after running costs.

The Government has already pledged billions of pounds to BMA members in strike-busting pay deals with consultants and junior and specialist doctors.

Mr Streeting has vowed to increase the NHS’ focus on GP practices under plans for a “neighbourhood health service” to reduce reliance on hospitals.

In July, Streeting ordered a “warts and all” probe of the NHS to tell the “hard truths” of what needs fixing.

Writing in The Sun, Mr Streeting said: “Honesty is the best policy, and this report will provide patients, staff and myself with a full and frank assessment of the state of the NHS, warts and all. 

“It’s going to take time to turn the NHS around - we were honest about that before the election.

"Sticking plasters won’t be enough to heal it. It will require fundamental reform.”