Row over GP hours
Updated on 04 February 2008
As the row over GPs' hours becomes increasingly bitter, the Health Secretary has bypassed the BMA and written directly to family doctors in England asking them to accept extended surgery opening hours.
To the government, it's about greater choice for patients. To doctors, it will undermine general practice and lead to privatisation.
The British Medical Association says doctors are prepared to work extra hours, in the evenings and weekends, but it wants flexibility built into any agreement.
The government has threatened to impose a new deal on family doctors if they don't toe the line.
