Borough's GP surgeries largely open despite strike (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Borough's GP surgeries largely open despite strike

12:23pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in News

A large number of the borough's GP surgeries are open and unaffected by today's strike.

British Medical Association (BMA) members across the UK are boycotting non-urgent care in a dispute over pensions.

The industrial action is the first by doctors for almost 40 years.

Putneymead Medical Centre, The Surgery in Tooting, Wandsworth Medical Centre, Balham Health Centre and Granville Road Surgery in Wandsworth are all open and fully functioning.

It is understood that just eight surgeries have been affected by the strike.

Both the government and BMA have been quick to stress that patients should still seek help if they need it - A&E units and maternity departments will remain open.

Only routine check-ups have been cancelled by GPs.

The scale and the extent of the disruption to patients is not yet fully clear but each area in the borough has a surgery open.

A spokesman for NHS South West London said: "Some GPs in South West London who are members of the BMA are taking industrial action today.

"All GP surgeries in South West London will be open as usual but some may be providing a reduced service by treating only urgent cases.

"Doctors participating in the industrial action will be attending their place of work. Anyone with an appointment scheduled for today should attend as planned unless they have been notified of a change.

"We understand that eight practices in Wandsworth have indicated that they are participating in industrial action today."

The BMA has over 100,000 members - about two-thirds of the profession.