Information on Strike Day 21st June 2012

Posted on by Barony Practice

On 21 June 2012 there is to be a day of industrial action by doctors represented by the BMA. The doctors at the Barony Practidce support the action, but do not wish to disadvantage patients. The practice will be open as normal, but there will be no advance appointments and only urgent or emergency conditions will be dealt with. The doctors support this action as they feel doctors as a whole are being unfairly treated. For more information please phone the surgery on 0141 889 3732, or see the open letter also published in UK newpapers below.

It is with great regret that we, UK doctors, have been forced to take industrial action in order that our voice is heard by the government. We feel that it is important to explain why we are taking this action and what impact it is likely to have on your experience of the health service.

On Thursday 21 June, we will be holding a day of action.

On that day, doctors will be in their usual workplaces but providing urgent and emergency care only.

We will be postponing non-urgent cases and although this will be disruptive to the NHS, rest assured, doctors will be there when our patients need us most and our action will not impact on your safety. We feel this action is vital in order to address the unfair treatment of the NHS pension scheme.

Despite agreeing to major reforms in 2008, that made the NHS pension scheme fair and sustainable, doctors are now being asked to work much longer, up to 68 years of age, and to contribute much of their salary – up to 14.5% – for their pensions.

These contributions are up to twice as much as those of civil servants on the same pay, for the same pension. We are not looking for preferential treatment from the government but we do want fair treatment.

You do not need to do anything. We will work closely with NHS managers to ensure that anyone affected is able to receive as much notice as possible and to have non-urgent appointments rearranged. Anyone who needs urgent care on the day will receive that care.

For more information on this action go to www.bmaaction.org

 

Thank you for your understanding,

Hamish Meldrum

BMA chairman of council