DAUK\u2019s Dr Lizzie Toberty has written a column in a national news website to highlight issues facing general practice following the vote by family doctors to stage collective action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GP lead for the Doctors\u2019 Association UK (DAUK), Dr Toberty warned the two per cent annual contract uplift offered by NHS England was \u2018not enough to sustain the services patients need\u2019 and that practices will go under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Toberty said that if funding of general practice continued in the same way, \u2018there will not be enough GPs left\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Writing for Metro, Dr Toberty said she and her DAUK colleagues supported the collective action voted on this week by GPs and explained reasons behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: \u201cHistorically GPs have just plugged gaps in care, working above and beyond their contracts for free. NHS England and the last Government were repeatedly warned this was not sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut our calls were ignored and therefore \u2013 rather than closing our doors and striking \u2013 we are aiming to work in a safe way and take care of our patients properly, while also demonstrating to the system the sheer amount of unfunded work we have been doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Toberty added: \u201cWithout these recently voted-on actions, we are hurtling towards a two-tier model similar to dentistry, where it will be a postcode lottery whether an NHS GP will be available for you at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnfortunately, we already have practices handing back contracts and going bankrupt at an alarming rate. This chaotic shambles is a nightmare for patients and leaves them confused as to where to turn when unwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a mum, daughter, and a GP, I\u2019m terrified there may not help available for us when we need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n