GP contractors and partners in England have voted overwhelmingly in favour of collective action. This follows a non-statutory ballot by the British Medical Association (BMA), with 98.3% of members voting ‘yes’. The BMA is now urging GP partners and contractors to start taking at least one of the actions, starting from today (1 August). Practices can choose to implement as few or as many of the actions as they think appropriate.
The RCN believes the GP contract is no longer working to deliver what is needed for patients and the population or the workforce employed within primary care. We, like the BMA, want to see a sustainable funding model for general practice including ringfenced funding for nursing pay and for nursing staff working in general practice to receive at least Agenda for Change pay terms and conditions.
Here are some of the proposed actions that GPs involved in the action may take:
- limit daily patient contacts per clinician
- stop rationing referrals, investigations and admissions
- stop supporting the system at the expense of your business and staff.
However, the BMA has confirmed that GPs will be present, working and available to advise and lead patient care.
Nursing staff working in practices across England should continue to work in their roles as normal during the BMA’s collective action.
RCN members are asked to undertake your normal role within your competencies and responsibilities. If your employer instructs you to not undertake activity due to collective action, you should follow the instruction of your employer, provided it does not directly compromise patient safety.
Our publication, Industrial action by other unions: advice for RCN members, outlines the approach RCN members should take relating to your contract of employment; while ensuring you do not undermine the lawful industrial action taken by other trade union colleagues. Although the BMA’s collective action does not constitute lawful industrial action the same principles for RCN members apply.
RCN members have a professional duty to care for patients, and this continues during any collective action. If you have concerns about patient care, raise these with your GP and surgery leaders. You can also use the RCN’s raising concerns toolkit to raise professional concerns if needed.
