19 October 2021
Dear Colleague,
BMA says: Do not engage at this time.
The BMA’s GPC has today advised GPs and practices not to engage in any activity associated with implementing NHS England’s so-called General Practice Support package, describing it as “punitive and damaging”.
This is a compelling reflection at a national level of the serious concerns raised by LMCs. The GPC’s surveying of GPs also bears out sentiments LMCs have been hearing from you, our grass roots constituents across London’s practices, namely widespread opposition, and a belief that what is being proposed can only be to the detriment of staff morale and patient care.
In last Friday’s MWord 88 I said “Now might be a good time for us to take a very long pause and assess whether it is truly in the best interests of ourselves, our staff and our patients to jump, yet again, when instructed. Other peoples’ boxes can always wait to be ticked – sometimes a very long time – when your priority is surely to care for the people in front of you.” And yesterday Surrey and Sussex LMCs became the first LMC to directly call for practices not to engage.
The full GPC statement can be read here, including data from their survey. A meeting of the GPC will be taking place on Thursday, after which more details may become available.
And as ever, I welcome your feedback at mword@lmc.org.uk. The team of experts and leaders here at Londonwide LMCs are by your side.
Keep well. Stay safe.
With best wishes
Dr Michelle Drage MBBS FRCGP
CEO, Londonwide LMCs