DOCTORS in the region have backed plans for a possible mass resignation from the NHS.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is to ballot the country's 36,000 GPs on whether they would be prepared to resign if agreement is not reached with the Government on new contracts.

The move follows delays in thrashing out a new employment deal with ministers.

From Sunderland to Harrogate, GPs in the region predicted that doctors would sign up to any plan for a mass walk-out.

The BMA is planning to ballot GPs during the next few weeks, meaning the results could be known as the General Election looms.

Doctors claim that staff shortages and increasing workloads, caused in part by Government initiatives, have left them demoralised and overburdened.

The average GP conducts more than 10,000 consultations a year and spends just eight minutes with each patient.

The BMA wants any new contracts to reduce the amount of bureaucracy and administration GPs are forced to do.

Dr Paul Linnett, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, said: "The situation has got so bad this is probably the only way forward. It is time for the Government and health authorities to face up to the crisis they have created in general practice."

Morale among GPs was "appalling" and he predicted that "a sizeable majority" of doctors would be prepared to resign.

Dr John Givans, secretary of North Yorkshire local medical committee, said: "There is tremendous discontent at the moment. I am dealing with GPs in their prime, in their mid-forties, saying they want out."

The Harrogate GP said there would be "strong support" for large scale resignation if outstanding issues are not resolved.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The Government also wants to see a new contract for GPs. With goodwill on all sides, it ought to be possible to make real progress."