Healthwatch Isle of Wight statement on GP action

Response - 1 August 2024

Today, August 1, the British Medical Association announced the results of a ballot of members of it’s GP Committee, showing that the majority are in favour of taking ‘collective action’ in protest at the limited increase in funding for the 2024/5 contract for GP services in England.

This could mean that some GP practices could limit the number of appointments with patients to 25 per day.

Practices must remain open during their contracted hours but may choose to divert patients to 111 or other services once they hit daily threshold levels.

Collective action’ can start at the time of individual practices’ choosing and could last off and on for the next six months. Practices don’t need to pre-announce specific dates or the type of action they’re taking.

We are urging GP practices to communicate with their patients to let them know if and when they will be taking action, who will be prioritised, whether the number of appointments will be limited and where people can go for alternative help.

Information should be shared via community groups, local Healthwatch, GP websites, social media and other sources, to ensure the public are kept informed. 

 

Read the press release from the British Medical Association here.

Read the press release from the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB here.

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