NHS leaders warn GPs' industrial action risks 'dangerous disruption'

The NHS faces "alarming" and "dangerous" disruption until Christmas and into 2025, health chiefs have warned after GPs began their first industrial action in 60 years amid a major row over funding.

- Andrew Gregory

Hospitals, A&E units and mental health services are already under huge pressure. They are braced for a surge in demand from thousands of patients turning to them for help after family doctors in England launched work-to-rule action yesterday.

A letter seen by the Guardian that Dr Amanda Doyle, the national primary care director, sent to senior NHS managers, said the NHS was preparing for a "worst-case scenario" and warned that even 999 services could be affected.

Meanwhile, separate analysis suggests hospitals could face a 10% increase in referrals, up to 200,000 extra patients every month, if GPS stop consulting specialists before referring patients.

Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the industrial action would probably have an immediate significant effect.

He added: "In some areas, it may take longer for patients to get an appointment with their GP, or they may have to go somewhere else for something that was previously provided in general practice.

"This will pile more pressure onto A&E, mental health and other frontline services where waiting times could grow considerably. This is an alarming situation to be in, particularly after everything the NHS has been through over the last few years, and one that health leaders understand GPS will not have entered lightly."