91Èȱ¬

General practitioners across the West Midlands are to stage a rally over working conditions and a below inflation increase in the amount they get paid.

Up to 100 GPs are expected to take part in the protest in Birmingham on Saturday.

Doctors are also to be balloted on a work-to-rule saying a 1.9% increase for each patient was not enough.

Dr Sarah Matthews, from Coventry Local Medical Committee, said the strength of feeling meant it was time to act.

"Recently there was a vote which was all GPs and all GPs in training and over 98% said that this current contract was not workable, not sustainable, " she said.

"I think when there is that depth of feeling, it's the right time to move."

The British Medical Association said the 1.9% funding uplift from April could force struggling surgeries to close their doors for good.

"The BMA is already aware of practices across the country having taken the decision to close since the April contract was imposed," it said.

The contract does not make it easier for practices to afford to hire more GPs and practice nurses, it added.

The Department of Health said it was disappointed the BMA was considering collective action.

It said it had reduced bureaucracy for doctors, given more freedom over their practices and given money for new roles.

There will also be a pay review in the summer, it added.

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