It seems that winter has arrived, we have seen the first snow of the year and the winter storms have started. There is much activity within the BMA, while not specifically about retired members, much is still of relevance to us. As chair of your retired members committee, I have a seat on UK council so contribute to the discussions on strategic policy issues, such as physician-assisted dying and medical associate professions, on your behalf.

Physician-assisted dying

There is potential for change in respect of physician-assisted dying at Westminster and Holyrood.  It is recognised that there is considerable variation in views on this and the BMA has a neutral position on the matter, but has been involved in ensuring that the interests of doctors and their right to not be involved is protected. There is considerable effort, by the opponents to change, to conflate the poor funding and provision of palliative care.  The BMA is not supporting this conflation but still sees the need to improve the funding of palliative care and will be pursuing this separately.

Medical associate professions

The issues around PAs (physician associates) and AAs (anaesthesia associates) continue to consume time and effort at the BMA. The GMC went live with their registration on the 13  December, they will now be included on the same medical register as doctors – although with an ‘A’ prefix identifier. The BMA is continuing to oppose the GMC registration and to pursue a judicial review, with the first steps successful. There has been much concern and discussion in the medical royal colleges and movement of their positions, particularly at the Royal College of Physicians in London. There are a considerable number of PAs and AAs distributed across all parts of the NHS and, should you come across them, please remember that the current situation is not their personal fault and that many are simply trying to do their best. A review has been triggered by the secretary of state as it seems it has been recognised that this is now a critical issue.

Annual representative meeting

The 2025 ARM will be returning to Liverpool for a 3 day event next year, from 23 to 25 June. As well as branch of practice seats, election of seats will be by an online ballot of members via nominated division – even if the division is dormant. Please do not ignore the opportunity to participate in forming the BMA’s policy and consider supporting appropriate colleagues to go forward as representatives to the ARM. Obviously, this may also include self nomination to represent your division.  It is likely that some groups will be looking to support structured voting and thus your participation is important in ensuring balance and representation of all sections of our profession. There are more details about how to get an ARM seat on the website. We will also be holding a fringe event for retired members at the ARM and I will include information about this in my upcoming blogs.

Cass review

The BMA triggered review of the Cass report and its implementation is ongoing and hopefully will reach considered conclusions as soon as possible. I will update here once the task and finish group, led by David Strain, reports.

Budget

The budget may not have apparently had much impact on your situation although the thresholds for income taxes continue to be frozen and will increase the amount of tax paid over and above the increases in pensions from inflation. The inheritance tax thresholds have also been frozen and, as property prices seem to be continuing to rise, there may be reason to consider with your financial advisors any provisions you may have made in respect of inheritance tax. For those who have private pensions, the residual will also need to be reconsidered in respect of inheritance. As the BMA is not regulated to provide financial advice, we have a partnership with Chase de Vere Medical, who specialise in independent financial advice to the medical profession and run events specifically for BMA retired members.

NHS Emeritus consultant pilot

We continue to chase NHS England in respect of the Emeritus Consultant pilot and how it has progressed, but as yet have nothing to report. The NHS Emeritus pilot was set up to provide a digital platform to connect retired or partially retired consultants who wish to use their expertise and experience to support their NHS colleagues, with those organisations and clinical teams who have the longest waits for outpatient care.

Primary care funding

The issue of inadequate funding of primary care has become critical and must be a focus of attention.  We should all recognise the huge challenges that face our colleagues trying to provide primary care and support them with their collective action.

BMA retired members conference – save the date

Work is ongoing for the retired members conference, which will take place on Thursday 20 March 2025. This will be a hybrid event, with both in person and online participation supported. Conference chair, Surjait Singh, has secured some excellent speakers on the theme ‘Feeling Valued, Giving Back’. Registrations will open at 9am on 6 January and we will send out more information over the next month.

Feedback welcomed

It is always good to hear from members both with any problems or positive suggestions and we would encourage you to get in touch. We do try to respond to all.

Peter Curry is BMA retired members committee chair

Contact him at [email protected]

Laura Clark is BMA retired members committee secretariat

Contact her at [email protected]