The British Medical Association (BMA) has launched a scathing attack on NHS England, accusing it of 'gaslighting' the profession and imposing a new contract upon general practitioners. This dramatic escalation signals a complete breakdown in relations between the government and family doctors.
In a fiercely worded letter to GP teams across England, the BMA's GP committee stated that negotiations had reached a 'final impasse'. The committee declared that NHS England had 'unilaterally ended the negotiation process' and would now be imposing changes to the contract, a move described as a 'take-it-or-leave-it offer'.
A Deal Dictated, Not Agreed
The core of the dispute centres on funding and workload. The BMA asserts that the imposed contract fails to address the crippling pressures facing GP practices. Crucially, they highlight that the funding increase offered does not keep pace with rising costs, meaning a real-terms pay cut for practices already on the brink.
NHS England's offer included a 2.23% investment increase to cover rising expenses. However, the BMA argues this is woefully inadequate, pointing out that the government's own figures suggest a minimum of 4.9% is needed just to maintain current service levels. This shortfall, doctors warn, will force practices to reduce staffing and patient services.
'Gaslighting' and a System in Peril
The use of the term 'gaslighting' is particularly significant. The BMA alleges that NHS England and the government are deliberately manipulating the narrative, presenting the deal as supportive while ignoring the 'existential crisis' facing general practice. The letter condemns the portrayal of the contract as a fair deal, calling it a misrepresentation of the reality for GPs and their patients.
This conflict unfolds against a backdrop of a severe NHS workforce crisis. Patients across the country are already experiencing immense difficulty in securing timely GP appointments, a situation that medical leaders fear will only worsen without proper investment and a sustainable contract that values primary care.
What Happens Next?
With the BMA declaring the contract 'imposed', the focus now shifts to the response from the profession. The committee has vowed to continue fighting and is urgently consulting its members on the next steps. This could potentially include exploring avenues of industrial action, setting the stage for a major confrontation between the medical profession and the government.
The imposed contract is due to take effect from April 1st, but the BMA has made it clear that this is not the end of the matter. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified political pressure and public campaigning as the battle for the future of general practice reaches a critical juncture.
