GPs are threatening to join NHS strikes as hospital doctors’ five-day walkout comes to an end at 7am tomorrow.
They could close surgeries for a day in protest at their working contract.
A poll of 431 docs and practice managers, by trade magazine Pulse, found 34 per cent would be willing to down tools for a day.
GPs have so far not taken part in NHS strikes because they are typically self-run businesses that would bleed cash if they closed.
They are angry about changes to their responsibilities, including mandatory online messaging from 8am to 6:30pm.
Docs say patients are overloading the system and either reporting “trivial” issues that don’t need a doctor, or logging life-threatening problems online instead of going to A&E.
One anonymous GP said: “This new contract is so detrimental to patient safety and clinician workload that I would be prepared to participate in industrial action.
Another added: “After 20 years I am seriously considering my future in the NHS.”
The survey comes as resident doctors, formerly junior doctors, in the British Medical Association finish their 13th strike on Wednesday.
They angered ministers and health chiefs with huge pay demands but there were signs of falling turnout for the protests.
Hospital chiefs said the young doctors appeared to be “voting with their feet” and clocking in for their shifts as usual over the weekend.
Senior consultants and specialist medics have also threatened to go back on strike, as well as nurses and ambulance crews, threatening a full-scale NHS revolt.
Commenting on the GP survey, a Department of Health spokesperson said: “This data only represents a very small minority of GP practices and is not reflective of the national picture.”
