We've noticed your using a old browser this may cause issuse when experincing our site. We recommend updating your browser here this provides the latest browsers for you to download. This just makes sure your experince our website and all others websites in the best possible way. Close

GPs back list closure protest – narrowly

NewsGPs have delivered a mixed message on their willingness to take action over the pressures that practices are facing, voting narrowly in favour of temporary list closures.

The British Medical Association unveiled today the long-delayed findings of its vote of GPs on the question of whether doctors would close their lists nationwide in protest over the lack of resources.

The vote delivered a narrow majority in favour of temporary list closures.

But just 24% of practices took part in the vote – and when asked if they would apply for formal list closure from NHS England, just 44% said they were willing to do this.

A little over 1,000 practices – 54% – said they would consider a temporary suspension of patient registrations. 46% said they would not.

Some 1,870 practices in England took part in the vote out of a total of 7,824.

BMA GP committee chair Dr Richard Vautrey said the vote was a “clear warning signal.”

He said: “The fact that even a single surgery has reached the point where it would consider a suspension of new patient registration or closing its patient list fully shows that government promises to rescue GP services have failed to materialise.

“Despite the hard work of GPs, nurses and practice staff, many GP practices are struggling to cope with the rising number of patients coming through their doors because of a lack of necessary funding and widespread staff shortages. A third of GP practices have told the BMA they have had vacancies that have gone unfilled for 12 months and nine out of ten have said their workload is often unmanageable.

“This is placing an intolerable pressure on local GP services, especially as they increasingly need to deliver intensive, specialist care in the community to the growing number of older patients with complex health conditions. In recent years some GP practices under considerable pressure have already taken the step of suspending their practice list in order to maintain patient safety.

“The government needs to understand that this landmark survey sounds a clear warning signal from GPs that cannot be ignored, and that the workload, recruitment and funding crisis in general practice must be addressed with far more vigour and commitment. Practices believe the promises in the GP Forward View which pledged to provide more resources to frontline patient care have failed to make an impact.”

He added: “The BMA is now calling on ministers to work with us to urgently to address this growing crisis which is threatening to overwhelm general practice.”

Rating

GP Practice News

GP news from Practice Index.

View all posts by GP Practice News
Supporting and safeguarding survivors of FGM/C

March 26, 2024

CQC – Making the connection for 2024 – By Phil Coates

January 25, 2024

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

Get in the know!
newsletterpopup close icon
practice index weekly

Subscribe to the Weekly, our free email newsletter.

Keeping you updated and connected.