BMA Urges Streeting to Resolve GP Dispute on Online Access Plans Within 48 Hours

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September 28, 2025

GP Access Plans Spark Dispute With Doctors Amid Safety Concerns

London, England – A major clash is brewing between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the UK government regarding new regulations mandating increased online access to General practitioners (GPs). The BMA has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Health Secretary,threatening industrial action if concerns about patient safety and escalating workloads are not addressed.

New Regulations and the Impending Deadline

Starting october 1st, all GP surgeries in England will be required to maintain open online consultation portals throughout their operating hours. This initiative, announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England in February, aims to alleviate the pressure on telephone appointment systems and streamline access to non-urgent medical services. Officials initially stated that the rollout would be contingent on implementing adequate safeguards.

BMA Raises Alarm Over Unmet Safeguards

The BMA contends that the promised safeguards have not materialized and that no additional resources have been allocated to manage the anticipated surge in online requests. This lack of preparation, according to the union, could lead to significant delays in care – effectively creating “hospital-style waiting lists” within primary care settings. There are also fears that the increased demand will diminish the availability of in-person appointments.

Dr.Katie Bramall, Chairwoman of the BMA GP committee, expressed deep disappointment, stating that commitments made in February have been broken. She warned that the changes, as currently implemented, could jeopardize patient safety by overwhelming GPs with a vast influx of online inquiries, making it difficult to prioritize urgent cases.

Government Defends the Policy

Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the policy, asserting that offering online appointment booking is essential in the modern age. He pointed to existing investment in general practice – over £1.1 billion in the last decade and the addition of 2,000 GPs – and claimed that patient satisfaction is on the rise. Streeting emphasized that safeguards are in place to direct patients with urgent needs to phone or visit in person.

the Potential Impact: A closer Look

The dispute highlights a growing tension between the government’s push for digital healthcare solutions and the practical realities faced by GPs. According to a recent report by the King’s Fund, primary care is facing unprecedented demand, exacerbated by an aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic conditions. This existing strain could be substantially worsened by an unmanaged influx of online requests.

feature	current Situation	Proposed Change
Online Appointment Access	Inconsistent across surgeries	Mandatory, 24/7 access during working hours
Staffing Levels	No increase	BMA requests for additional staff denied
safeguards for Urgent Cases	BMA states insufficient	Government claims adequate safeguards exist

Did You Know? Approximately 30% of GP appointments in England are now booked online, a figure that has steadily increased over the past five years.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with your GP surgery’s online services and booking procedures to ensure efficient access to care.

The Labor Party, attending its annual conference, is also weighing in on the issue, with the BMA appealing to Wes Streeting for intervention. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the future of primary healthcare in England.

The Rise of Digital Healthcare: Trends and Challenges

The push for increased online access to healthcare is part of a broader global trend toward digital health solutions. Telemedicine, remote monitoring, and online portals are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering potential benefits such as improved convenience, reduced costs, and enhanced access to care. However, these technologies also present challenges, including concerns about data security, digital literacy, and the potential for exacerbating health inequalities.

Furthermore, integrating digital tools into existing healthcare workflows requires careful planning and investment in infrastructure and training. It’s crucial to ensure that digital solutions complement, rather than replace, traditional forms of care, particularly for vulnerable populations who may not have access to or be comfortable with technology.

Frequently Asked Questions About GP Online Access

• What is the main concern regarding the new GP online access rules? The BMA’s primary concern is the lack of adequate safeguards and staffing to handle a potential surge in online requests, perhaps endangering patient safety.
• How will the new rules affect urgent medical needs? The government asserts that patients with urgent needs will still be directed to phone or attend in person.
• What investment has been made in general practice recently? Over £1.1 billion has been invested in general practice in England over the past decade, with 2,000 additional GPs hired.
• What is the BMA’s stance on digital innovation in healthcare? The BMA supports digital innovation but insists it must be implemented safely and effectively, with sufficient resources.
• Will this affect face-to-face appointments? The BMA fears the changes could lead to a reduction in face-to-face GP appointments as staff are overwhelmed with online requests.

What are your thoughts on the new online access rules? Do you believe they will improve or hinder access to healthcare? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What are the potential consequences if the BMA resorts to industrial action over the online access dispute?

The Impasse Over Digital First: A Critical Juncture for Primary Care

The British Medical Association (BMA) has issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Health Secretary Steve Barclay (acting on behalf of Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting) demanding resolution to the ongoing dispute regarding the rollout of online-first GP access plans. This escalating conflict centers around concerns from GPs that the proposed system will exacerbate existing pressures on general practice and potentially compromise patient safety. The core of the disagreement lies in the government’s ambition for all patients to be offered online consultations as the default,before being able to book a face-to-face appointment.

Key Concerns Raised by the BMA & GP Community

GPs are voicing significant anxieties about the practical implications of a “digital first” approach. These concerns aren’t simply resistance to technological advancement, but rather a plea for a system that prioritizes safe and effective patient care. Here’s a breakdown of the major issues:

* Increased Workload: Many gps fear the online-first system will increase their workload, not reduce it. Triaging a higher volume of online requests, responding to detailed questionnaires, and conducting potentially lengthy video consultations all demand significant time.

* Digital Exclusion: A considerable portion of the population lacks the digital literacy, access to technology, or reliable internet connectivity required to effectively utilize online services. This creates a two-tiered system, disadvantaging vulnerable patients – notably the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

* Patient Safety risks: Complex medical issues, or those requiring a physical examination, are often unsuitable for remote diagnosis. Relying solely on online consultations in such cases could led to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatment, and ultimately, adverse patient outcomes.

* Erosion of the Doctor-Patient Relationship: The traditional, in-person doctor-patient relationship is built on trust and a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history and personal circumstances. An over-reliance on digital interactions could weaken this crucial bond.

* data Security & Privacy: Concerns surrounding the security of patient data and maintaining confidentiality within online platforms are also prominent.

The Government’s Position & Rationale

The government argues that expanding online access is crucial for improving patient convenience, reducing waiting times, and alleviating pressure on GP surgeries. The aim is to streamline appointment booking, offer more flexible access to healthcare, and empower patients to manage their health more proactively. Proponents point to the success of digital solutions in other areas of healthcare, such as online prescription ordering and access to medical records. The plan is part of a wider NHS recovery plan aiming to tackle the backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s at Stake: Potential Consequences of Continued Dispute

The current deadlock poses significant risks to the future of primary care.

* Industrial Action: The BMA has not ruled out industrial action, including potential strikes, if a resolution isn’t reached. This woudl further disrupt already strained GP services.

* Worsening Access Issues: Without a collaborative approach, the implementation of online access plans could be chaotic and ineffective, potentially worsening existing access problems for patients.

* Damage to GP Morale: The ongoing dispute is contributing to already low morale among GPs, potentially leading to increased burnout and early retirement, exacerbating the existing workforce crisis.

* Public Trust Erosion: A poorly implemented system could erode public trust in both the NHS and the GP profession.

Understanding the Financial Landscape: GP Funding & Management Fees

While not directly related to the online access dispute, understanding the financial realities of general practice provides context. As highlighted in recent reports (like those on zhihu.com), the financial structure of GP practices, particularly regarding partnerships, is complex.

* GP Partners (GP): These are the owners and clinicians of the practice. They share in the profits (and losses) of the business.

* Limited Partnerships (LP): Often involved in larger healthcare investments, LPs provide capital.

* Private Equity (PE) & Venture Capital (VC): Increasingly, PE and VC firms are investing in primary care, seeking returns.

* Funds of Funds (FOF): these invest in other funds (like PE and VC), diversifying risk.

The financial pressures on GP practices, including high staff costs and the need to invest in infrastructure, contribute to the challenges of implementing new initiatives like online access. Many GPs