General practitioners (GPs) are issuing a warning of potential industrial action unless Health Secretary Wes Streeting puts a stop to significant alterations in patient appointment booking procedures. Streeting has pledged to eliminate the morning rush for appointments starting Wednesday by mandating English practices to permit patients to request appointments online at any time during their opening hours. The British Medical Association (BMA) argues that the proposed changes to maintain continuous online access could pose a serious patient safety concern without additional resources. The BMA threatens a formal dispute within 48 hours if the government proceeds with the plan. Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA GP committee, expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on patient care due to the influx of online requests. Wes Streeting is anticipated to address the doctors’ union at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool soon.
The BMA advocates for practices to retain the ability to redirect online consultation requests to phone or walk-in options if overwhelmed. A recent GP Patient Survey revealed that a quarter of individuals had a poor experience scheduling GP appointments. The upcoming changes are expected to diminish the traditional role of receptionists and require practices to accept appointment requests through various channels from 8am to 6.30pm. Patients will be required to provide details of their condition for timely responses from the practice, offering either a GP appointment, referral to a pharmacist or other NHS service, or self-care advice when appropriate.
The BMA highlights concerns about the lack of distinction between urgent and non-urgent cases in online systems and the potential diversion of GPs from face-to-face appointments for online request reviews. Failure to address these issues may lead to a technical dispute with the government, possibly escalating to a strike ballot. Dr. Bramall emphasized the necessity for safeguards to ensure patient safety in the face of technological advancements. The government has a limited timeframe to reconsider the changes and avert a confrontation with GPs.