As has been reported in the news GPs are currently taking collective action to protect primary care, to spend time with our patients and to prevent practice closures –'keeping the doors open'.

At Putneymead we are not 'on strike'. GP's at Putneymead already see a maximum of 26 patients a day in routine clinics. This change was implemented in Summer 2023 to align with "safe working" recommendations set out by the British Medical Association. It allows us to extend the appointment time from 10 to 15 minutes per consultation, improving the quality of patient consultations.

We are however, planning to take action to save general practice, practices are closing every day because of lack of investment.

Rest assured GPs are on your side. GPs Are On your Side (bma.org.uk)

Our actions may include refusing to share patient data unless it’s in the best interests of a patient, referring patients directly to specialist care rather than following longer and more complex NHS processes and switching off NHS software which tries to cut prescribing costs.

Only 6% of the health care expenditure goes to primary care -we believe this needs to gradually increase year on year, to 15% - all the while protecting existing funding across the wider system.

Historically, we have worked above and beyond to fulfil our contracts to keep up with patient demand, all the while being instructed to offer extra services by NHS England without funding. 

The new Government is keen to find solutions but the causes of practices closing and GPs leaving remain, by taking a few simple collective actions at Putneymead and beyond we will help keep practices open and keep GPs in the NHS workforce. This we hope can buy time for Mr Streeting to make the necessary changes that were promised in the Labour Party’s election manifesto.

General practice should be the front door of the NHS, not the doormat.

Please be reassured we are open 08:00-19:30 Monday to Thursday, 08:00-18.:30 on Fridays, Saturdays 08:00-11:00.

Please continue to attend your appointments. We are working hard to avoid any disruption. Out of these hours please continue to use 111 for urgent medical help.

What can you do to support us at Putneymead?

Here are some ways you can help:

1.    Join our Patient Participation Group where you can discuss our services, suggest improvements, and help us understand patient needs better.

2.    Use Online Services: Whenever possible, use online services like booking appointments or ordering repeat prescriptions through the NHS app. This can reduce the workload on our reception staff.

3.    Be Prepared for Appointments: Have a list of your symptoms and any questions ready. This can make your appointment more efficient and help us to provide better care.

4.    Consider Alternative Health Professionals: If your issue can be handled by our pharmacist, physiotherapist, or another healthcare professional, consider seeing them instead of a GP. 

5.    Provide Feedback: Constructive feedback can help us improve our services. Whether it’s through our friends and Family surveys, online reviews, or directly to the practice, your input is valuable.

6.    Be patient and understanding: Recognize the pressures that the practice is under, especially during busy times. A little patience and understanding can go a long way.

Published: Aug 28, 2024