We are not prejudging the decision of GPs

BMA spokeswoman

The framework has been drawn up after a year of intensive talks between the BMA and the NHS Confederation, which represents health service managers.

It is expected to include proposals to radically change the way GPs work and are paid by the NHS.

The changes, detailed in a document called Your contract, Your Future, are expected to include plans to give GPs more flexibility and freedom in the way they work.

These are expected to include giving GPs the option of providing more specialised medical care to patients and transferring more of their existing work to nurses and other practice staff.

Overhaul

It is also expected to propose overhauling the complex way GPs are paid with more of their salaries linked to meeting quality targets, such as improving the way patients with particular conditions are treated.

The BMA said it was not pre-empting the decision of GPs and would use the vote to decide whether to continue negotiations.

A spokeswoman said: "We are not prejudging the decision of GPs. We will be asking them to make a decision on whether we can go forward with this framework."

Reaction

BMA negotiators will hold meetings with GPs across the UK throughout May to gauge their reaction to the proposals and answer any questions they may have.

Ballot papers will then be sent out to every doctor in June with the results due to be announced in July.

If approved, the BMA will then seek to resume more talks with the NHS Confederation, when details of how the changes can be introduced and how much GPs can expect to get paid under the new arrangements will be discussed.

The financial aspects of the contract will be heavily influenced by the government's spending plans for the next three years, scheduled to be announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review in July.