DOCTORS are warning that financial plans faced by the health service in York are “shrouded in secrecy” and will “cause uproar”.

The BMA, the doctors’ union, has revealed it is “deeply concerned” about the Capped Expenditure Process (CEP) which is being implemented in 13 areas - including York - and which it has warned could bring severe cuts, extended waiting times, and reduced access to services.

Humber, Coast and Vale - which includes York, Ryedale, Scarborough and the East Riding - is one of 13 areas to be hit by the CEP, and it is said to be under intense pressure to drastically reduce spending.

The plan for York had already faced criticism from campaigners and the watchdog body HealthWatch York, and earlier this month an apparent softening of the national body NHS Improvement’s stance was welcomed.

Now the BMA has added its voice to the concerns. The organisation has tried to get hold of plans from both NHS Improvement and from Humber, Coast and Vale, but the Yorkshire body has only said that it is drawing up “short-term financial recovery plans” to improve the situation, and is planning public engagement events to tell people about changes.

BMA council deputy chair, Dr David Wrigley, said: “These plans could have serious consequences for doctors working on the frontline and for the care and treatment patients receive and can expect in hospitals and GP surgeries.

“It is bad enough that brutal cuts could threaten the services but it is totally unacceptable that proposals of this scale, which would affect large numbers of patients, are shrouded in such secrecy.

“Patients, the public and frontline staff – who have worked so hard to keep the health service afloat through years of underfunding in the face of rising demand – must be at the heart of any plans for the future of the health service but we are all frozen out of discussions, and local health managers are being asked to push forward despite being unwilling to share their decisions openly.”

The government must “stop and think” before pressing ahead, he added.

Vale of York CCG - part of the Humber, Coast and Vale plan - said in a statement that it was working with NHS England and NHS Improvement on recovery plans and the financial position.

Public events are still to be held at Selby Market on Monday, August 7, 10am-2pm; and Pocklington Market on Tuesday, August 22, 10am-2pm.