GP work to rule a threat to 3m appointments

Industrial action plan in 1.9% funding row

- MARTIN BAGOT

THREE million appointments a month could be affected if GPS take threatened industrial action.

The British Medical Association could trigger steps including work to rule as soon as tomorrow.

It is one of nine options being considered and would limit the number of patients doctors see a day to a safe limit of 25. A survey last year by trade publication Pulse found GPS see about 37 a day.

BMA deputy council chair Dr.Emma Runswick said: "Many GPs see over 50 people a day, working more than 12 hours a day.