Information and advice on GP collective action – What is happening and what does it mean for me?

What is happening?

The British Medical Association has announced that GPs will take collective action. This means that GPs may choose to make changes to some aspects of how they work. The NHS is asking the public to come forward as usual for care during collective action. Practices will still be open and will still see patients.

What does this mean for me?

If you have an appointment with your GP practice, you should attend as usual, unless you are told otherwise.

Practices will still be open and see patients and you can book appointments through your GP practice. However, some GPs may direct patients to other local services.

During collective action practices are still required to fulfil their contracts. This essentially means:

• Practices core hours will remain 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, giving advice on alternative services, providing access to prescriptions, long terms condition management, vaccinations, diagnoses and referral (including urgent referrals) 

Practices also need to take into account:

• The needs of a patient to avoid risks to patient safety
• The benefits to patients of providing continuity of care. Your GP practice will be able to explain the impact on you and what you need to do

The NHS is working hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible. GPs are choosing to take this action but the nature of 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.

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.

I thought GPs were the NHS?

GPs are independent contractors who are contracted to provide NHS services. During collective action, GPs will still be working and will still be providing the NHS services that they are contracted to provide.

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 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.