You may be aware that on 1st August 2024 98.3% of GP practices voted to “work-to rule” in protest against unstainable workloads and significant underfunding which risk patient safety and the financial viability of general practice. Actions recommended by the British Medical Association include limiting the number of patients seen a day to 25, restricting data sharing with other organisations and choosing to stop undertaking work that practices are not formally contracted to do.
We sympathise hugely with the sentiment of our colleagues – this is the first time in 60 years that GPs have taken part in collective action. There is no doubt that general practice currently faces an unmanageable workload and is increasingly financially pressured. However, we feel that the actions proposed could adversely affect our patients and put additional pressure on other parts of the NHS which are also overstretched. The Rycote Practice has therefore decided not to participate the proposed work-to-rule action at this stage.
The new health secretary has committed to a new partnership with general practice, offering additional funding as well as resources to recruit and retain the skilled healthcare professionals that we need. We remain hopeful that this will come to fruition and look forward to engaging constructively as plans for the future of General Practice are developed.
Thank you for your ongoing patience, understanding and support as we work to meet the demands of the local population in challenging times.
Why is General Practice is under pressure?
This is a summary of a presentation given to the Patient Group in July 2024 which explains how and why General Practice is under pressure and how the Rycote Practice is responding to this challenge.
If you would like to join the patient group please email the chair Ian Erridge at [email protected]
