Maintaining good care during collective action

Medical Protection sets out guidance on factors that members will need to consider regarding GP collective action.

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Following a recent ballot of GP members in 2024, GP partners and contractors voted overwhelmingly in favour of collective action. From 1 August 2024, many GPs will therefore be participating in actions aimed to put pressure on the Government to write a contract that GPs feel is fit for purpose.

The collective action sets out a list of ten actions that GP practices may choose to adopt depending on their patients, local contracts and LMC feedback.

We recognise and respect the strength of feeling amongst members.

The GMC’s Good Medical Practice does not prevent you from taking part in industrial action or collective action, but should you receive a complaint you must be prepared to justify the decisions you have made. 

If you are participating in collective action, it is important to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. The steps set out as options for collective action are considered by the BMA to be safe and permissible, but it is important that individual GPs take responsibility to ensure patient safety would not be compromised through collective action, and that any actions are in accordance with those suggested by the union.

It may be necessary to raise concerns, if you believe patient safety is being put at risk, in line with the GMC’s Guidance Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety. The GMC also has a range of materials and tools to help should you need to raise a concern.

Good communication with patients will be important: explain that things may run more slowly and reassure them, as they might be anxious or concerned if they do not understand or support the actions that GP practices might be taking. Practices may also need to consider the benefits to patients of providing continuity in care, and how patients will be signposted to alternative healthcare settings where required.

You must make the care of your patients your first concern. MPS can offer advice and support with ethical issues that may arise from your professional practice but you should contact your trade union to discuss queries relating to collective action.