GPs complained about working 100-hour weeks

Thousands of GPs are planning to stop working at nights and weekends when their new contract begins next year.

In North Yorkshire, only three doctors out of 545 have so far said they are prepared to continue providing emergency cover.

GPs say the pressure will fall on to hospitals and daytime doctors - one described it as "a grave crisis".

Burden

Currently, GPs join an emergency scheme which shares the load for out-of-hours work between surgeries.

Earlier this year, they voted for new NHS contracts to work five days a week from 0800 to 1830 hours and give up being on call.

The responsibility for care beyond these times will fall on primary care trusts using GPs willing to work, nurses and paramedics.

The days of the home visits at midnight are numbered Dr Adam Bone GP

But the 10 O'Clock News has discovered that very few doctors look like they are willing to help.

Dr Jamie MacLeod, of North Yorkshire Emergency Doctors, said: "We've asked our members and all bar three - that's 542 out of 545 - said they will opt out of their out-of-hours responsibilities.

"And this presents a grave crisis."

Dr MacLeod's area covers 200,000 people.

Cash needed

Doctors predict this shortage will drive more people into hospitals and to GPs' daytime surgeries.

Part of the strain will be taken by night-time clinics which already operate in some areas, but they will also rely on doctors choosing to work.

Dr Adam Bone GP said: "The days of the home visits at midnight are numbered.

"Patients are going to have to get into their cars or taxis, or maybe if the trust is progressive enough they will provide transport for these patients.

"And they will have to come into the primary care centre."

Sarah Hyatt of Daventry Primary Care Trust, in Northamptonshire, said doctors wanted more money to work the unsociable hours.

But another GP, Dr Julie Waine, told BBC News Online: "The out of hours debate is about far more than money. GPs are demoralised and burnt out from the pressure of working in this way."