Impact of GP collective action in Suffolk and north east Essex  

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that GPs are taking collective action which began on Thursday 1 August 2024. 

This is a non-statutory ballot for collective action, which means GPs should not be taking any action that would breach their contract.  This means that GPs may choose to make changes to some aspects of how they work. Practices will still be open and will still see patients.  However, some GPs may operate differently, and where this happens GP practices should inform patients 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.

What will this mean in Suffolk and north east Essex? 

During collective action GP practices are still required to fulfil their contracts, this essentially means: 

• Practices are required to be open 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 where clinically urgent)   
• 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.  

The NHS is working hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible. A number of 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. 

This means that collective action will impact GP practices differently across Suffolk and north east Essex.   GP practices will be communicating with their patients if they are taking part in collective action and let them know how services are impacted.  

Please check your GP practice website or their social media channels for the most up to date information on your practice’s services and availability.   

When is this happening? 

The nature of collective action means that it does not need a formal notice period. 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.  

Can I still get an appointment at my GP? 

Yes, practices will still be open and you can book appointments through your practice in the usual way. 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.  

What is NHS England doing about this? 

The NHS and government have been working hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate the impacts where possible.

The nature of the collective action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices.  NHS England is working closely with government to review options for providing additional funding to further support general practice, subject to funding availability constraints. 

What is the local picture? 

In Suffolk and north east Essex there are huge demands on general practice – with growing demand for services, increasingly complex workloads, and ongoing workforce recruitment and retention issues.  There is system recognition that pressures exist nationally as well as locally.  We will continue to work with GP practices through this period to ensure they are supported to deliver essential patient services.  

Please be respectful and considerate to all NHS staff during this time, as they continue to provide care for patients. There’s no excuse for abuse of staff, and the NHS has a Zero Tolerance approach to abuse.   

What should I do if I feel unwell during this period?

Please do not delay seeking medical advice or treatment (where appropriate) if you feel unwell.  Please still continue to come forward for care as usual and attend any booked appointments unless you have been told otherwise.     

You can visit www.sneewellbeing.org.uk  for more information about other local services that can support you to get the right help from the right person at the right time for your mental or physical health.