GPs' Collective Action
This means the Association will encourage practices to choose from a list of ten actions, and practices can choose to implement as few or as many as they think appropriate. The full list of actions can be found here.
Frimley ICB have updated their website, encouraging patients to come forward for appointments as usual. More information is available here
What does it mean?
· GP practices will remain open
· If you have an appointment, you should attend unless your GP practice contacts you directly.
· If you need an appointment with a GP or a member of your practice team, you should contact your GP practice first.
· Your GP practice will be able to explain the impact on you and what you need to do
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 will keep you updated as soon as we have more information on the specifics in Bracknell Forest.
Commenting on news, Louise Ansari, Healthwatch England Chief Executive said:
“Patients tell us they highly value their relationship with their GP, however, they persistently find it difficult to access timely appointments.
“Without proactive communications to patients, the work-to-rule action could exacerbate access problems or even deter people from seeking help altogether if they are unsure whether their surgery is still open to patients.
“Patient safety must be paramount in any action GPs take. We strongly urge all GP practices to inform their patients, if and when they are taking part in the collective action, whether they are limiting the number of appointments, what type of health needs will be prioritised, and where to go for alternative help. GP surgeries could share this information on their websites, surgery phone voice messages, notices at reception, or disseminate it via local Healthwatch, other community organisations, and integrated care boards’ communication teams.
“Ultimately, it’s essential that the BMA and NHS England work with urgency to resolve the GP contract dispute.”
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