GP Collective Action - Update for Care Homes within BNSSG

Update regarding GP collective action

FAO: Care homes and nursing homes in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

As you will no doubt already be aware, the British Medical Association (BMA) has balloted GP contractors and partner members across England. The ballot closed on 29 July, with 98.3% of GPs voting in favour of collective action as anticipated.

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.

The NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is working hard to ensure we can continue to deliver the best care possible during this time. As always, our priority is providing people with timely access to the right services for their health and care needs, while respecting GPs rights regarding collective action. Organisations across our area are working together to make contingency arrangements that reflect the scale of action that may take place.

We will continue to provide updates on the collective action and anticipated impact on local services and will be regularly updating this collective action page on the Integrated Care Board website, including frequently asked questions.

Our messaging to the public and local organisations at present is to remind them that GP services remain open during this time. People should continue to contact their practice as normal and attend any planned GP appointments unless they are told otherwise.

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss this further, please contact:

bnssg.communications@nhs.net in the first instance.

Thank you.