Two doctors referred to GMC for taking industrial action A GMC spokesperson told Pulse: "We have received two complaints about doctors relating to industrial action on 21 June." Speaking to Pulse before the day of action, Niall Dickson, GMC chief executive said it would only take action if patients were harmed or put at risk. He said: "Our job is to protect patients and provide advice and support for doctors and our guidance is clear - a doctor's first duty is to his or her patient. Doctors must make sure arrangements are in place to care for their patients before the action on the 21 June. As the BMA have made clear patient safety must come first - their actions must not harm patients or put them at risk. We recognise that the circumstances facing each doctor will be different - it will therefore be a matter for each individual to assess their own situation and make sure they follow this guidance. A BMA spokesman said: "In developing plans for industrial action, patient safety was our over-riding priority. Guidance to doctors ahead of the action made clear that their professional responsibilities as defined by the GMC would not be suspended. The guidance said: "You must continue to make decisions about your actions as a doctor taking individual circumstances into account. Any decisions that you take should be informed by your lawful right to take industrial action, but also by your professional responsibility as a doctor, which is not suspended by industrial action. The GMC imposes an obligation on doctors to ensure suitable patient care when they are off duty.