Really, do we need another survey to tell us that doctors are so out of touch? Following on from the Royal College of Physicians Health and Social Care Bill survey in March, and the British Medical Association strike ballot over pension changes, I was quite cross (to put it mildly) that a GP was last night suggesting a survey of their patients to find out what real people think about the strike action scheduled for 21 June.
Firstly, I think we know what real people think. Secondly, the proposed survey would be an online survey, and how would that be representative of the GP's patients, many of whom are elderly and not that computer literate. And even if they were able to log on to the internet, how would you promote such a survey? At the surgery, on the website, through Twitter, or by sending out a mail shot?
The problem with surveys and ballots and voting in general is that only the most motivated will participate, unless you put the voting form in front of them, and give them a pen, and insist they do it right there and then. Otherwise, it goes to the bottom of the pile and everyone accepts the majority verdict.
Well, I hate to tell you this, but the majority almost never vote. Recent surveys of the medical profession show a distinct lack of interest by most doctors in what the politicians are saying. Most doctors are getting on with their jobs, helping people every day, sometimes in difficult situations, using their years of training to make life or death decisions. I know this because I have been married to a consultant cardiologist for twenty years. On 21 June, he will not be on strike. He did not vote for industrial action. He did not vote at all. He is not a member of the doctors' union. Cardiology is an acute medical speciality. That means that consultant cover is provided 24hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There will be no consultant strike in cardiology.
So, who will be striking. The Junior Doctors' group voted overwhelmingly for industrial action (92% of those who voted). The most vocal about the strike appear to be the GP group, but the voting numbers don't back this up (78% of those who voted). Even so, it will be a lot easier to close GP surgeries than hospitals on 21 June so I suspect patients needing a GP will be most affected. I haven't yet seen any numbers related to cancelled elective surgery.
I looked at the numbers of hospital consultants who voted in the BMA ballot, because this is the group I am most familiar with. I know these men and women, we've talked about these issues many times. The old-fashioned Professor consultant dinosaurs have long since taken their gold-plated pensions and are enjoying their (well-earned) retirement. The senior doctors left in post are (by and large; there are always exceptions) a new generation of consultants, exceptionally well-trained, hard-working and dedicated to providing excellent care in the NHS.
There are 37,752 consultants working in the NHS (March 2011). Of these, 18,721 voted in the BMA ballot. Of these, 84% (15,733) voted in favour of industrial action to protect their pension rights, and 73% (13,637) voted in favour of a full strike. Is that a true mandate for industrial or strike action, where fewer than half of all hospital consultants voted in favour? Now, I know that on the day of the action, some doctors may prefer to play a round of golf, rather than treat patients; I hope that won't be the case, but let's be realistic. And there will be some who re-consider and decide to work anyway.
Just to touch on the other survey carried out in March this year. The Royal College of Physicians asked fellows and members their views on the Health and Social Care Bill proposed reforms. Just fewer than 9,000 members responded and of these 6% accepted the bill, 69% rejected the bill, 22% neither accepted nor rejected the bill and 3% declined to give an opinion! Interestingly, almost on a 50/50 split, the respondents 'urged the RCP to continue to engage critically on further improving the bill' - and that was the last we heard of that. Underwhelming, or what?
And just to finish off, perhaps doctors might want to take a look at their payslips - your pension contributions have been increased 2.4% since April. You are already paying 13.5% of your salary into pension, so if you think that ballots and surveys and strikes will change anything - its' already too late. The change is underway. Best get on with improving patient care, working smarter and enjoying the vocational career you chose and studied long and hard for. You will be rewarded, and what's more, patients and their families value you.
No more surveys!