NHS GPs launch work-to-rule action but is it a step too far?

GPs believe that this focus means work-to-rule will not put them in breach of their contract under which they provide NHS services and, therefore, they should avoid having their funding docked.

Dr Gorman gives the example of taking bloods and other tests on behalf of hospitals to make the point.

“It’s more convenient for patients but we often don’t get paid for this,” he says.

“We’re essentially doing our job and the hospital’s.”

Dr Samira Masoud, a GP in Kent, agrees. She has spent time in recent years working as a locum, allowing her to pick and choose her hours, because the pressures of the job became too much.

“We are expected to see too many patients, working long hours into the evening and rushing appointments. It’s not safe and risks burnout.

“I was seeing 35 to 40 patients a day and you simply cannot give them the time they need. Capping patient numbers could make things much better for the GP and patient.”