BMA conference 2000

BBC News Online reports from the British Medical Association annual conference in London.

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GMC loses doctors' backing
The crisis in the medical profession deepens as doctors back a no confidence motion in the General Medical Council .

'Don't blame GPs for Shipman'
Doctors say the crimes of serial killer Harold Shipman should not be used to tarnish the image of British general practice.

Bodybuilders 'use heroin needle schemes'
Bodybuilders taking performance enhancing drugs use needle exchange schemes designed for heroin addicts, doctors hear.

'Ban nicotine patches on NHS'
Doctors have called for nicotine replacment therapy to help smokers quit the habit to be barred on the NHS.

Doctors deny ageism accusations
Doctors have refuted suggestions they are ageist and deny treatment to elderly patients.

Patients must decide on resuscitation
Doctors have called for US-style consent forms to be introduced to ensure patients agree before a decision is made not to resuscitate them.

Campaign launched on organ donation
The BMA is to launch a campaign to encourage the public to back presumed consent for organ donation.

Addicts 'blackmail' GPs
GPs are vulnerable to addicts who try anything to get a fix, the BMA conference hears.

Labour's NHS changes fail to impress
Doctors have given the thumbs down to reforms such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and NHS Direct.

Doctors call for an end to spin
The BMA warns that ministers should not resort to spin when they launch their plans for a major overhaul of the NHS.

'More scandal on the way'
BMA chairman Dr Ian Bogle defends the performance of doctors - but warns better detection methods will uncover more bad practice.

'Acupuncture should be available on NHS'
Doctors say that acupuncture is of proven benefit and should be made freely available to patients.