As I sit here wondering where summer has gone, I note that there is no summer holiday from the BMA.

BMA local restructure

I have previously written to you about the need to improve and revise the BMA’s divisional structure, as there are many parts of the UK without functioning divisions. While the original consultation document caused concern among many retired members and the required changes were not passed at the BMA annual representative meeting this summer, it does not negate the requirement to move forward with a revised structure. I would welcome thoughts from all on what we might suggest and contribute to the discussion. Please email me at [email protected] or our committee secretariat [email protected] with any ideas or questions.

Cass Review

You may have noted much discussion about UK council passing an emergency motion asking the BMA to undertake an evidence-led evaluation of the Cass Review of gender identity services for children and young people. There has been much public comment from many colleagues concerned at the apparent position of the BMA and indeed some of you have spoken and written to me with similar views. Phil Banfield, chair of council, has published a blog on the subject which I would urge you to read. I am hopeful that we will find a way forward which recognises and supports the challenges in providing care appropriate to those that need it. Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA board of science, will chair the BMA Task and Finish Group evaluating the review and it is anticipated the group will report on progress at the end of the year.

Meetings and webinars

There are at least some retired members who would like to have in person meetings with colleagues and while at the present time we are not in a position to fund these I think it would be possible to find support for publicity of sessions in local areas and perhaps enable self-funded lunch meetings this way.  We are also looking at the possibility of organising a series of webinars on topics of interest to retired members and hope to have more information on this soon.

COVID

COVID appears to be on the rise again with a new variant and many who have been in Paris for the Olympics may have been exposed and perhaps brought it back to the UK.  It is obviously of concern to those who may be at higher risk for whatever reason.

Membership

It is important to keep your membership details up to date as this dictates how we make contact with you.  Please ensure your email address is kept up to date and changed if needed, you can do this easily on the BMA website homepage where there is a banner at the top saying ‘check your details’. Also, we are aware that some colleagues who retire may not change their category to retired, preferring to stay within their previous branch of practice. We are thus not easily able to make contact with them. If you know anyone who should be hearing from us and is not, then please encourage them to update their membership details. You do not have to be completely retired to be considered a retired member and receive retired member benefits. Indeed, the retired membership fee can be increased to recognise income in excess of your pension if required.

Pensions

It is of course now entirely possible to take your pension and return to work and even, as a result, contribute to further pension benefits in the 2015 scheme. As I said in my July blog, the communication which some of you are due to receive in respect of the McCloud remedy may still be awaited. There is a lot of very useful pension information in the members section of the BMA website and you can contact the pensions team for individual support.

GMC registration retention

Lastly, I would remind you all that you can relinquish your licence to practice with the GMC while still retaining your registration if you have given up clinical work.  Should you wish to return to clinical work post retirement, it is much easier regaining your licence to practice than going through the re-registration process. Most may be wise to at least consider retaining registration for a period following retirement.

Thank you

I am grateful to you all for taking the time to read this brief update. As ever, we are always pleased to hear from members and will endeavour to respond constructively.

Peter Curry is chair of the BMA retired members committee