BMJ  2003;326:1415 (28 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7404.1415-a

News

GPs accept contract, but consultants ask for ballot on industrial action

London

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

GPs voted by four to one last week to accept a new contract that will bring to an end the current "red book" system of payment and 24 hour responsibility for patients—elements that have determined GPs' working practices for the past 50 years.

Negotiators hope that the new deal, which will see GPs' annual income rise by 26% over the next three years from an average of £65 000 ($108 000; €94 000) to £82 000, will lift morale in general practice and drive up recruitment.

Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the General Practitioners Committee, said on announcing the result of the vote: "This signals a new era for general practice. The profession has given a clear mandate for change. A large majority of general practitioners—eight out of 10—want the new contract to be introduced. I believe this is the turning point for general practice and that family doctors have . . . [Full text of this article]

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