FEWER than 13 per cent of GP surgeries in Hampshire have told health bosses they are taking part in the day of action today.

So far NHS chiefs in the region have had notification from 29 surgeries in Southampton, Hampshire and Portsmouth that they are involved in industrial action.

GPs are under no obligation to inform NHS managers if they are stopping all non-urgent care, those taking part in the first industrial action for almost 40 years could be higher.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley pleaded with doctors not to take part in the day of action which is being held in protest over the Government’s controversial pension reforms.

However the British Medical Association (BMA) said its members did not want to participate in the day of action but felt there was “no other option left” to make their voices heard.

All non-urgent work will be postponed, the BMA said, adding that although the action will be disruptive, doctors will ensure patient safety is protected.

Doctors will see anyone who is ill, or who believes they are ill, on the day of action but will not do paperwork.

Accident and emergency departments and maternity services will run as normal, and tests for critical conditions such as cancer will be still available. Some non-emergency hospital clinics, outpatient appointments and planned surgery may be postponed.