Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care
and Community Services, said: “As some practices
continue collective action, it is vital that patients continue to
come forward for care in the usual ways – practices remain open
and services are still running.
“We will be monitoring the impacts of this action to ensure
practices fulfil their contractual requirements and continue to
meet the needs of patients.
“The NHS remains committed to tackling the issues within general
practice, and while changes have been introduced to help staff
and improve patient access, we know general practice remains
under significant pressure and is experiencing record demand, so
we will continue to work together with GPs and other stakeholders
to support the profession.”
Background:
- Patients should continue to use 111 for urgent medical help
when their GP practice is unavailable and if it is a serious or
life-threatening emergency call 999.
- We are continuing to work with GPs, the BMA and the
government to resolve and end the action, including accepting the
6% DDRB uplift and adding GPs to the ARRS scheme
- Resources and guidance are available to help commissioners,
trusts and general practices plan for all contingencies to keep
patients safe and have arrangements in place that manage the
impacts of any collective action: NHS England » Planning for GP
collective action
- Practices should directly advise patients on any changes that
might impact their patients as a result of collective action.
- This initial phase of the GPs collective action means that
they must fulfil their contract requirements, including:
-
- practices are required to be open between 0800 and 1830
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
- The GPCE have recommended 10 actions for collective
action: GP contract 2024/25 changes
(bma.org.uk)
