WES Streeting has accused the doctors union of “dangerous extremism” after its members urged GPs to “overwhelm” A&E departments with patients in a revolt against reforms.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) wrote to doctors telling them to ignore guidelines saying patients should go to a pharmacy if they need same day care.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that BMA members are putting patients at risk with their hardline tactics[/caption]
They urged GPs to send patients to casualty units instead – claiming that using pharmacists more undermines doctors.
The Health Secretary said he was “shocked and appalled” at the letter and accused the BMA of using patients as “political props”.
He has written to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chairwoman of the BMA’s GPs committee, demanding answers.
In a letter, seen by The Sun on Sunday, Mr Streeting accused the hardline doctors of an “outrageous disregard for patients”.
He added: “Patients should never be used as political props.
“It is completely unjustifiable and unacceptable to encourage irresponsible action that risks people’s safe and timely access to care.
“Putting patients’ safety at risk to prove a point is dangerous extremism that has no place in our NHS.”
Striking resident doctors hold up placards during a picket outside the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Liverpool[/caption]
He demanded Dr Bramall-Stainer to “unequivocally condemn this letter” and remind BMA members of their “professional duty” to protect their patients.
The original letter was written by Dr Becky Haines, a member of the BMA’s national GP committee, and Dr Paul Evans, a Gateshead GP and member of a radical BMA faction and sits on its UK council.
The BMA said the letter was sent by a local committee.
They said: “This was not a BMA communication. We had no role in its drafting or dissemination, and its content does not represent the position of the BMA or GPs committee England.
“We understand that the letter was sent in error without the knowledge of the authors.”
