General practitioners (GPs) are on the brink of initiating an industrial conflict unless Wes Streeting ceases significant alterations to the process of scheduling patient appointments.
The Health Secretary has pledged to eliminate the morning rush for appointments starting this Wednesday by mandating practices in England to offer the option for patients to book appointments online throughout their opening hours. Presently, practices can suspend online booking during peak times, leading to engaged phone lines and hindering some patients from reaching out.
The proposed adjustments to maintain continuous online access aim to free up phone lines for elderly patients who rely on them. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) warns that without additional resources, this move could swiftly escalate into a “critical patient safety issue.”
The doctors’ union has issued a strong statement, indicating their intention to challenge the government formally if the plan is not halted within the next 48 hours.
Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA GP committee, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of these changes, emphasizing the risk of creating waiting lists similar to those in hospitals within general practices. She highlighted the challenge of identifying urgent cases amid a flood of online requests, potentially jeopardizing patient safety.
Mr. Streeting is scheduled to address the doctors’ union during his speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
The BMA advocates for the flexibility to redirect online consultation requests to telephone or walk-in options in case of overwhelming demand. The current system often leaves many patients struggling to connect with their practices.
According to the 2024 GP Patient Survey, more than a quarter of individuals reported a negative experience when attempting to book a GP appointment. The upcoming changes are expected to redefine the role of receptionists in granting access to GPs as of October 1.
Under the new system in England, GP practices must accept appointment requests online, via phone, or for walk-ins from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Patients will be required to provide details of their condition, and practices must respond within one working day, offering a GP appointment or referring them to other NHS services, potentially including self-care advice.
The shift will eliminate the practice of instructing patients to call back the next day at a designated time, enhancing accessibility. The BMA emphasizes the importance of implementing safeguards to prevent erroneous submission of urgent clinical requests online due to the lack of staff capacity.
Failure to address these concerns could lead to GPs being diverted from face-to-face appointments to manage the influx of online requests. The BMA warns of a potential technical dispute with the government, possibly resulting in a strike ballot if the issues remain unresolved.
Dr. Bramall underscores the necessity for proper safeguards to ensure patient and staff safety while acknowledging the role of technology in modernizing healthcare services. The government has a limited window to reconsider its course of action and avert a dispute, as per the BMA’s ultimatum.