The British Medical Association (BMA) announced on 1 August 2024 that GPs will take collective action. This means that GPs may choose to make changes to some aspects of how they work.

NHS teams have worked hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible to ensure services continue to be provided for patients.

The NHS is asking the public to come forward as usual for care during the collective action period. 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.

Your local pharmacist may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

  • earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.

Patients can use 111 online for health needs, and only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency. For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

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Use the 'need urgent help?' button below to find out more about the support available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

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How will the collective action affect my GP surgery?

The nature of the action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices and from area to area but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day.

Your GP practice will be able to explain the impact on you and what you need to do.

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

  • GP practices are required to be open between 8am and 6.50pm from 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
    - Your GP practice will be able to explain the impact on you and what you need to do