Understanding Our Action
Unlike hospital doctors, GPs can’t go on strike without breaching our contracts with the NHS.
Instead, we’re taking ‘collective action’.
This means we’ll stop doing unpaid work that we’ve been doing to keep the system running.
What We’re Doing
- Limiting Daily Consultations
We aim to see no more than 25 patients per GP per day
This is considered a safe number of consultations by the European Union of General Practitioners
It means doctors are less likely to make mistakes or burn out
Patients get more thorough consultations that are more likely to solve their problems - Changing Referral Processes
We’ll write old-style referral letters instead of filling in long forms (except for cancer referrals)
We won’t ration referrals or investigations - Stopping Unpaid Work
We might not be able to process some referrals or prescriptions that should be handled by hospitals.
You may need to contact the hospital directly for these.
Please remember we do not take prescription requests over the phone and would encourage you to use the NHS app for these.
Some examples of unpaid work:
- Getting bloods done at the GP surgery that the hospital has requested – but we often do this as we know it is more convenient for patients to have bloods taken at our surgery rather than at the hospital.
- When we email specialists to ask for advice, if they suggest further tests or treatments, this brings us extra work – but we do this for our patients as we know hospital waiting lists are unacceptable.
We look after over 15,000 patients, this all adds up.
An NHS document suggests that if GPs stopped doing unpaid work, it would cost the system £570 million over just four months. This shows how much extra work we’re currently doing for free.
If this money (about £1.7 billion per year) was properly invested in GP practices, we could:
- Hire more staff
- Improve access to GPs
- Provide better, safer care for you
We believe that by taking this stand now, we can create a stronger, more sustainable general practice that will serve you better in the future. Our goal is to protect our patients and improve the care we can offer, not to protect a system that is currently failing both patients and healthcare providers.
What This Means for You
- Appointments
We may have fewer appointments available each day
Wait times for non-urgent appointments might increase
Urgent cases will still be seen promptly within our safe capacity
GP appointment requests should still come through Anima - Services
Some non-essential services might be temporarily unavailable
We may need to redirect you to hospitals or other providers for certain tests or treatments
Chronic condition clinics (e.g diabetes, asthma) will continue unchanged.
We’re introducing specialist clinics run by clinicians for Chronic Kidney Disease, Asthma and COPD to provide additional support. - Referrals and Prescriptions
We might not process some referrals or prescriptions that should be handled by hospitals
You may need to contact the hospital directly for these
You should continue to request your repeat prescriptions via the NHS app - Communication
We may take longer to respond to non-urgent queries or paperwork
Please be patient with our reception staff, who are working hard to manage these changes
Our Commitment to You
Despite these changes, we want to assure you that:
- We will continue to provide all essential services
- Urgent care will be available when we have capacity
- We remain committed to providing the best possible care within these constraints
- Patient safety is still our top priority
How You Can Help Reduce Disruption to Your Care
- Plan Ahead
Order repeat prescriptions well in advance
Use the NHS app
Book necessary appointments for chronic conditions early - Use Alternative Services When Appropriate
Consider using pharmacy services for minor ailments
Use NHS 111 online for initial advice if you’re unsure whether you need to see a GP - Be Prepared for Your Appointment
Write down your symptoms or questions before your appointment
Be clear and concise about your health concerns to make the most of the time - Provide Feedback
Let us know how these changes are affecting you
Share both positive experiences and constructive criticism to help us improve - Look After Your Health
Focus on preventive measures like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management
Attend screening appointments when invited
Remember, we’re making these changes to fight for better GP services in the long term. Your understanding and support during this challenging time can make a real difference.