Further to the NHS's request asking the public to come forward as usual for care during collective action by GP services, further information has become available.
- NHS England » GP collective action – patient information. This is NHS England’s messaging for patients. Much of this will be relevant to residents in care homes and receiving care at home.
- NHS England » Planning for GP collective action is a general webpage regarding GP collective action.
- NHS England » Collective action by GPs: supporting guidance is a technical factsheet.
GP collective action started on Thursday, 1 August, for an indefinite period of time.
NHS England say, while there may be some disruption to services, practices will remain open as usual and patients can make requests by phone, on-line or by walking in.
During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.
It is stressed that patients should still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, and practices should inform patients of any changes to services.
Impacts will vary at different GP practices and from area to area but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day.
GPs can choose from 10 recommended actions for collective action: GP contract 2024/25 changes (bma.org.uk). Sky news item. NHS GPs launch work-to-rule action but is it a step too far? - BBC News
NHS England say NHS teams have worked hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible to ensure services continued to be provided for patients.
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.
If Homecare Association members experience any issues during GPs' collective action, please email our Policy, Practice and Innovation Team at: [email protected].
