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GP members of the British Medical Association (BMA) have voted in favour of "collective action" following a recent ballot. The results of the ballot were announced on August 1, following its closure on July 29.
The contractual action is set to begin immediately and will continue until the BMA calls it off. Collective action means any GPs taking action may stop or reduce certain work. However, staff will still be working and practices will still be open to see patients. NHS organisations in Derby and Derbyshire are coordinating a response to manage the anticipated impacts, which are likely to be a 'rising tide' event in nature.
The BMA GP Committee England (GPCE) has issued a list of ten suggested actions that general practice could take as part of collective action. GPCE has stated that it is not asking practices to breach contracts. They are encouraging practices to consider which of the ten they would want to engage in, which could change over time. The GPCE list can be found on their website.
The specific actions that individual GP practices choose to implement will vary. Each practice has the autonomy to decide which measures to adopt and may adjust their approach over time. As such, the exact impact on patient care and the wider health and care system in Derbyshire remains uncertain.
Patients are being advised to contact their GP practice as they normally would, and to attend any appointments unless told otherwise. Call handlers will continue to triage calls and direct patients to the appropriate services, ensuring that care is provided as needed. Patients are also being advised to use services appropriately.
Public messaging includes when to use NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centres, and the use of Pharmacy First for health needs. It is crucial for patients requiring urgent medical attention to seek care as usual, especially in emergency or life-threatening situations. |
