DOCTORS’ surgeries in York were largely unaffected by yesterday’s national day of industrial action.

British Medical Association (BMA) members carried out their threatened one-day action, though GP surgeries in York said they had done all they could to ensure there was no disruption to patients.

Martin Eades, managing partner at Priory Medical Group, York’s largest practice, said yesterday was “business as usual”.

“We are fully staffed,” he said. “There were a couple of people who wanted to honour the BMA stance so we re-jigged things.

“I think the vast majority of surgeries in York weren’t doing anything.”

Mr Eades said he had spoken to other surgeries in York and that 27 of those said they were not taking part in the strike.

Earlier this week, Jorvik Medical Practice contacted The Press to say it would not “take any industrial action which could have an adverse effect on patients”.

It said no appointments would be postponed or cancelled as a result of the industrial action at either of its surgeries in Stonebow and Bishopthorpe Road.

The practice also produced a news sheet explaining to patients the reason behind the strike.

The first industrial action by doctors in almost 40 years came following controversial Government changes to the NHS pension scheme.

York Hospital said it had expected a number of its doctors to take part in the action and that some appointments and procedures may be affected.

However, the hospital was unable to say if there had been disruption to patients yesterday, as The Press went to print.