Guildford Patients Unaffected by GP Action

Published on: 21 Jun, 2012
Updated on: 21 Jun, 2012

Guildford patients appear to have been completely unaffected by today’s British Medical Association GP action, a Guildford Dragon NEWS survey of Guildford surgeries has revealed.

All the surgeries contacted said that they were operating as normal.

The surgeries spoken to were:

Austen Road Surgery, Austen Road
St Nicolas Surgery, Buryfields
Guildowns Group Practice (surgeries at: The Oaks, Park Barn, Wodeland Avenue, Stoughton Road and the Student Health Centre, University of Surrey)
New Inn, Surgery, London Road, Burpham
St Lukes Surgery, Warren Road
Woodbridge Hill Surgery, Deerbarn Road

Dapdune House Surgery, Wharf Road was closed at the time of calling.

A spokeswoman at the Royal Surrey County Hospital said that less then ten doctors were taking part in the action. A statement on the RSCH’s website reads:

“We wish to reassure our patients, visitors and staff that very few doctors at RSCH have indicated an intention to participate in this action. We are therefore currently planning for the great majority of our services to be running normally on that day and unless patients are contacted regarding a cancellation they can be assured that their appointment or procedure is going ahead.

If patients have had their appointments cancelled we will do our best to book new appointments as soon as possible and apologise for any distress or inconvenience this may cause.

In addition, we ask that only urgent treatment and emergencies attend our A&E department on this day to ensure that all those requiring our specialist care receive it quickly.”

The BBC is reporting:

“The impact on patients from the first industrial action by doctors for nearly 40 years appears to be limited, early reports suggest.

British Medical Association members across the UK are boycotting non-urgent care in a dispute over pensions.

The union estimates four out of five hospitals have been hit, while a third of GP practices are taking part.

But reports from individual areas suggest in most cases less than 10% of patients are being affected.”

Have you been affected by the BMA action? Do you think the action by doctor’s is right? Are you a BMA member or NHS staff member with a comment?

Please use the ‘Leave a reply’ feature below to have your say.