Getting the help you need during collective action by GPs
We are taking collective action in a dispute with the government over contracts.
Our practice will remain open as normal, but some services may be affected. We will contact patients if there are any changes to appointments.
Any action means that NHS services are likely to be under significant pressure, but NHS teams are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of patients.
Some appointments and planned treatment may need to be rearranged. Healthcare teams will contact people as soon as possible if your appointment needs to be changed. If you do not hear from your healthcare team your appointment will be going ahead as planned.
Regardless of any action taking place, it is important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
999:
People should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk). You should take advice from 111 / 999 call-handlers on whether there are circumstances where it is suitable for you to make your own way to hospital.
A range of local services, including GP practices and community pharmacies, will continue to be available to meet your healthcare needs during the action.
NHS 111
If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.
Your local pharmacy
Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can help with your medication questions and minor health concerns such as headaches, sore throats and aches and pains. They can also prescribe medication, if needed, for a number of common conditions, including urinary tract infections, shingles, sinusitis, earache and infected insect bites. Many offer private consultations without an appointment, and can advise where to get further help if you need it.
Mental health support
For mental health support visit the Healthy Minds website. Feel like you need to talk to someone? Please contact Guide-Line on 08001 884 884, or chat online this is open to anyone of any age who feels in need of help with their thoughts and feelings or who is worried about a loved one.
Crisis support service in the community for anyone aged 7 and over, open 365 days a year from 12pm to 2.30am. Call First Response on 0800 952 1181 and ask for ‘Safe Spaces’.
People of all ages thinking of suicide, self-harming, or who is seeing and hearing things can contact First Response 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 952 1181. When a First Response telephone assessment indicates the need for a face-to-face assessment, the service aims to you within 4 hours.
If you’re worried about your child’s health, you can find online healthcare advice recommended by local healthcare professionals at wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk
The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
FAQs
What is happening?
The BMA has announced that GPs will take collective action should their ballot outcome support this course of action. 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. Where this happens, patients may be directed to other local services to make sure that safe provision of care remains.
GP practices will still be open. They will contact patients if there are any changes to services or appointments.
Collective action will be different to previous industrial action by junior doctors, as the level of activity can vary by place, practice and timeline when GPs may wish to act. GPs should not be taking any action that would breach their contract.
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.
When is this happening?
The nature of collective action means that it does not need a formal notice period, the BMA has indicated that this could mean action starting on 1 August 2024. 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. 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.
Should I cancel my appointment during any action?
No, if you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned.
What is the ICB doing about this?
The nature of the collective action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices across West Yorkshire. The ICB is working closely with colleagues from across the health and care system to monitor the situation and minimise the impact on patients.