GP partners have voted for collective action

News - 15 August 2024

Recently, the British Medical Association announced that GP members had voted to take ‘collective action’ in protest at funding levels and pressures. While there may be disruptions on service practices, the NHS is encouraging anyone to come forward for appointments and access care.


GP and patient at an appointment

Collective action is not a strike, and so is unlike previous BMA industrial action. Members have 10 different actions to choose from including limiting the number of daily GP appointments and diverting patients to urgent care, to refusing to share data for any purpose other than direct patient care, to refusing to take part in any voluntary services.

You can read more about the collective action and actions practice can take on the BMA website.

The NHS is urging the public to come forward for care during collective action

Whatever actions GPs choose to take, GP practices will remain open. The NHS is asking the public to use their GP service as normal, and attend any appointments unless they hear otherwise.

 

 

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: “GPs and their teams are the bedrock of the NHS, and we recognise they are working really hard and dealing with record demand. On behalf of patients, the NHS has a duty to plan for collective action, and we will continue to work with government to find a resolution and end collective action.

“Our message to the public remains the same – they should continue to come forward for care during this collective action, as GP practices will remain open.”

Read further information on the collective action from the British Medical Association

Further guidance from NHS England

Further guidance from the South East London ICS

 

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