Almost half of GP practices in England are taking some form of collective action, according to a survey.
A snapshot of practice experience conducted by the publication Pulse, which included responses from 283 GP partners, found that 46 percent took action and a further 20 percent said they would do so in the future.
About 7% of practices ruled out any measures.
General practitioners in England voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action earlier this month.
According to the British Medical Association (BMA), more than 8,500 GPs took part in a vote, with 98.3 percent in favour of collective action.
The BMA has issued a list of ten measures for GP practices to choose from, including GPs limiting the number of patients they see each day to 25.
More than a quarter of practices that responded to the Pulse survey were limiting their patient contact, while 44% said they were considering doing so.
Other measures proposed by the BMA include GPs choosing not to carry out work for which they do not have a formal contract, refusing to share patient data unless it is in the patient’s best interests and referring patients directly to specialists rather than following NHS processes.
In addition, practices may also be able to circumvent “rationing restrictions” by “prescribing what is in the best interest of the patient.”
Half of the general practitioners said in the survey that they would be prepared to take further measures, which could possibly mean closing their practice.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said: “As some practices continue their collective action, it is vital that patients continue to attend treatment in the usual way – practices remain open and services continue to be provided.
“We will monitor the impact of this measure to ensure that practices meet their contractual obligations and continue to meet patient needs.
“The NHS remains committed to tackling the issues facing general practice. While changes have been introduced to support staff and improve access for patients, we know that general practice remains under significant pressure and is experiencing record demand, so we will continue to work with GPs and other stakeholders to support the profession.”
Dr Michael Mulholland, honorary secretary of the Royal College of GPs, said: “General practice is the front door of the NHS but it has been underfunded and neglected for years and is now in serious trouble.
“We have raised significant concerns that the current GP contract is not providing GPs and their patients with the support they need – and the decision to act together shows how strong the feelings of GPs across England are.
“It is not the role of the RCGP to interfere in contract negotiations between the BMA and NHS England or to influence how practices participate in collective action.
“No GP will want to restrict the services they offer their patients. So we hope the government can step in to bring about a fair solution as soon as possible so that GPs have the financial means and support to provide the care our patients need.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “The Government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from hospitals to the community, repairing the front door of the NHS.”
“We have already accepted the recommendation of an independent pay review body to increase GP salaries by 6% and have committed to recruiting 1,000 extra GPs in the NHS by cutting red tape and by increasing the additional posts reimbursement scheme by £82 million.
“Collective action will only punish patients. NHS England has put in place preparations to ensure patient safety is protected and patients can continue to receive care as normal.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub
