US EditionBMA Gives Streeting 48 Hours to Avoid GP Dispute over Online Access Plans
The British Medical Association warns 25% of patients had poor GP appointment experiences and demands safeguards before online booking changes start on October 1.
- On October 1, GP surgeries in England will be required to keep online consultation tools open during working hours, prompting GPs in England to threaten industrial action unless the changes are halted.
- Announced in February, the policy aims to end the 8am 'scramble' for appointments as part of the new GP contract for 2025/26, with officials saying it includes necessary safeguards.
- Union leaders say GP practices will face a 'barrage of online requests' that reduces face-to-face appointments, while the British Medical Association warns online booking systems risk delaying urgent clinical requests.
- The GP Committee in England has given Health Secretary Wes Streeting two days to avert a dispute ahead of his Labour Party Conference in Liverpool speech, warning a technical dispute could lead to a strike ballot.
- The 2024 GP Patient Survey found over 25% of patients had poor appointment experiences, while the UK Government cites a £1.1 billion investment in general practice and 2,000 extra GPs.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Streeting rages at 'absurdity' of how it is easier to book a haircut than see GP
From October 1, GP surgeries in England will be required to keep online consultations open for the duration of their shifts but have threatened to strike over the fears it could lead to 'floodgates opening'
Evening Standard
BMA gives Streeting 48 hours to avoid GP dispute over online access plans
The union claims the changes would lead to ‘hospital-style waiting lists in general practice’ and slash the number of face-to-face appointments.
BMA gives Streeting 48 hours to avoid GP dispute over online access plans - Rother Radio
The British Medical Association (BMA) has given the Health Secretary 48 hours to act and avoid going into dispute with GPs over online access plans which they claim could put the safety of patients and staff at risk. From October 1, GP surgeries in England will be required to keep their online consultation tool open for the duration of their working hours for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests. The change was …
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