What the BMA does - an overview
The protection of doctors' professional interests
The British Medical Association represents doctors from all branches of medicine all over the UK. It is a voluntary association with a total membership of over 139,000, rising steadily, including more than 3,000 members overseas and over 18,000 medical student members.
Keeping members up to date with clinical and other medical issues
Members are able to keep abreast of the latest developments through their free British Medical Journal (both in print and online at bmj.com ) and through other publications from the BMJ Publishing Group and the BMA Board of Science -read more here and the Board of Medical Education .
Members also have access to one of the finest medical libraries in the UK .
Doctors having their say
The BMA is a democratic organisation and members are encouraged to become actively involved. The extent of their involvement can be completing a BMA survey, attending a mess visit or division meeting, or becoming a local or national representative.
Developing doctors' careers
The science and education department provides information to members on the different agencies and advisers they may wish to contact in seeking solutions to their career problems.
The BMA has a job-sharing register which covers all branches of medical practice and records specialty, grade and geographical area.
Staff from BMA local offices attend mess, student and other meetings. They also provide training through local courses on subjects such as contracts and pay, working abroad and pre-retirement.
BMJ Careers is sent free to members each week with the main BMJ. It contains the most comprehensive listing of medical vacancies and courses in the UK as well as many from overseas. It also offers a wide range of career-oriented products including an expanded Career focus section, a medical careers fair, a matching scheme for doctors with chronic diseases or who have been discriminated against, and a career mentoring service.
Support for doctors at work
The BMA is an independent trade union and is recognised by the Doctors and Dentists Review Body, by the government and by employers in national and local negotiations in the NHS and many other fields.
Personal support, grants and funds
BMA counselling is a service for members and their families. They have access to a confidential counselling service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to discuss personal, emotional and work-related problems.
The BMA charities were established to help all doctors (not just BMA members) and their dependants in times of need, including refugee doctors.
Most recently, the BMA Medical Education Trust was set up for students reading medicine as a second degree.
The BMA was among the first of the professional bodies to award grants and prizes to encourage and further medical research. Today, approximately 25 research grants are administered under the auspices of the board of science and education and the research trusts panel. General practitioners, assistants and registrars undertaking research projects in general practice are eligible to apply for grants from the Claire Wand Fund.
Managing doctors' finances
Expert advice is available to members on most aspects of their financial affairs, including the NHS pension scheme and financial planning. In addition, there are a number of special schemes and arrangements that have been negotiated exclusively for BMA members. Many are designed to meet needs unique to the medical profession.
Meeting rooms in BMA House and the BMA Scotland office
BMA House has four splendid state rooms and nine flexible meeting rooms. These provide the perfect setting for private parties, banquets and receptions, as well as conferences, seminars and training courses.
Facilities are available for hire and BMA members, as well as registered charities, are entitled to a 25 per cent discount on usual room hire charges. Catering of the highest standard is provided by an on-site team and excellent event support will ensure that your event is a memorable success.
So why not celebrate your birthday, wedding anniversary or retirement in style at BMA House, or choose it as the venue for your next conference or seminar?
The Hastings Room at BMA House has been licensed by the London Borough of Camden to host marriage ceremonies. The state rooms, garden and main courtyard are all available for receptions, and parking is available for guests. BMA members receive a 25 per cent discount on room hire.
Contact: Maria McCaul, Special Events Manager.
Tel: 020 7383 6750; Email: specialevents@bma.org.uk; Website: www.bmahouse.org.uk
The council chamber and meeting rooms at the BMA Scotland office in Edinburgh are available for hire at a 25 per cent discount for members. The council chamber is purpose built for debating sessions and can comfortably accommodate 60 people. It is equipped with the latest audio-visual and electronic voting technology. The adjoining two meeting rooms can be opened up into one, offering flexibility in layout and use.
Contact: Pamela Bell, Facilities Coordinator. Tel: 0131 247 3015;
Email: pamela.bell@bma.org.uk
The trade union role of the BMA in the National Health Service
In 1971 the Association was registered as an independent Trade Union. Since the inception of the NHS, the Association has been formally recognised for collective bargaining purposes within national negotiating machinery and by individual employers at local level.