Result of GP ballot on collective action
GPs have voted in favour of collective action and the BMA has said this will be put into immediate effect.
Read more about GP contract 2024/25 changes and collective action
We have issued the following media statements in response.
National press
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:
“If patients can’t access their GP practice many will turn to their local pharmacies for help, as happened throughout the pandemic. But pharmacies are already under considerable strain; since 2015, pharmacy funding has been cut by 30% in real terms, forcing many to the brink of collapse.
“Pharmacy teams will always do their best to help patients during times of crisis – but they can only do so much. They may have to prioritise the safe supply of NHS prescriptions and dealing with patients referred by NHS 111 over other NHS services. We ask the public to be patient and to treat pharmacy teams with respect when they are coping with additional workload from this general practice action.”
Pharmacy press
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:
“If patients can’t access their GP practice many will turn to their local pharmacies for help, as happened throughout the pandemic. But pharmacies are already under considerable strain as everybody in the sector is only too aware.
“Pharmacy teams will always do their best to help patients during times of crisis – but they can only do so much. They may have to prioritise the safe supply of NHS prescriptions and dealing with patients referred by NHS 111 over other NHS services. Patient safety is our utmost concern and pharmacy owners may need to activate parts of their business continuity plans, including prioritising the safe supply of NHS prescriptions.
“We are asking the public to be patient and to treat pharmacy teams with respect when you are coping with additional workload from this general practice action. And we will continue to push the new Government and NHS England to address the underfunding of pharmacy services, as GP teams are not the only people in primary care who are exhausted, overworked and struggling to make ends meet.”
Click here to view information and resources for pharmacy teams
