GP Collective Action
Nunwell Surgery has decided to be a part of the Collective Action to support the British Medical Association in negotiating a fair uplift to our contract for services we provide. This is NOT industrial action as GPs can neither legally take part in industrial action nor would we wish to.
Over the past decade 1000 GP surgeries have been forced to close resulting in 10,000 fewer GPs nationally.
As a surgery we are contracted to deliver NHS services – a contract that is offered but has little room for negotiation and is largely imposed upon us. The funding that is provided falls short of what is required to be able to maintain a safe level of staffing and to be able to provide all the services we wish to.
We support the British Medical Association in their efforts to negotiate a fair contract for all General Practices. As part of this Collective Action the British Medical Association has advised that when a deemed safe number of GP appointments has been reached patients should be directed to alternative providers. The idea is that this focuses the minds of the government who then recognise that in order to be able to provide high quality care a fair contract needs to be offered.
As a result of this during Collective Action you may find that you are advised to seek alternatives to seeing your GP. This will not apply to children under 5 or patients who are at the end stages of their lives. We recognise this is far from ideal but we feel by supporting this action it gives us the best opportunity to safeguard the future of Nunwell Surgery and to ensure the services we offer is fit for purpose for this community.
If you would like further information on how you could support us please visit.
https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/gp-campaigns/patients/gps-are-on-your-side