GP collective action-what does this mean and how does this affect access to GP services?
What is the impact of collective action?
During collective action practices are still required to fulfil their contracts, this essentially means:
Practices are required to be open between 8am and 6:30pm – Monday to Friday.
Practices should provide reasonable care to patients this includes:
- making appointments available
- providing advice or care to patients by another means
- give advice on alternative services
- providing access to prescriptions, long terms condition management, vaccinations, diagnoses and referral (including where clinically urgent)
The NHS is working to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible. The collective action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices and area by area. We anticipate that this action will cause disruption across the NHS as patients may need to attend other services, this could mean appointments for some services not being at your usual GP practice and instead being somewhere else.
When is this happening?
The nature of collective action means that it does not need a formal notice period, the BMA has indicated that this could mean action starting on Thursday, 1 August 2024. As the action does not involve a breach of contract and practices will remain open, it could potentially continue for an unspecified but potentially significant period of time.
Is this safe?
Patient safety is a priority and the usual rules and considerations around safety continue to apply. GPs should not take any action that puts patient safety at risk.
Can I still get an appointment at my GP?
Yes, practices will still be open and you can book appointments through your practice. If you have an appointment, you should attend unless your GP practice tell you otherwise. Your GP practice should inform you of any changes to services.
Patients can use 111 online for health needs, and only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency. For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
