GP action - work to rule

The action began on 1 August and may go on for a long time. It is a work to rule, not a strike. GP practices will not close.

Each GP practice will be able to choose if and how it takes part and also when they take the action. They could do things like limiting the number of appointments to 25 per day or not taking part in data sharing agreements.

Local health managers for Coventry and Warwickshire have said they are working closely with practices to ensure they understand the impact and to minimise any disruption as much as possible. 

• Patients should continue to make requests to GP practices through the usual routes and continue to attend their appointments as normal unless they are told otherwise. 
• Practices are still required to be open between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday. 

Commenting on news, Louise Ansari, our chief executive said: 

“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.”