We are working closely with the Local Medical Committee and GP practices to understand the potential impact across the county.

Patient care and health outcomes are the most important considerations for all NHS partners in Gloucestershire.

All GP practices will continue to provide urgent assessment and care and refer patients to other services to meet their health needs.

Some patients may have to wait longer for some routine appointments, but practices will continue to assess individual needs and ensure health and care is not compromised.

Patients should continue to:

  • visit their community pharmacy for advice on minor ailments and medicines. No appointment is needed, and they can advise on whether another local NHS service is required
  • contact their GP practice if they have a medical need and attend their GP appointments as planned unless advised otherwise
  • use NHS 111 online or the 111 phone service if they are not sure on their care options. The local ASAP Glos NHS website and app also provide information on local services, including how to access Community Minor Injury and Illness Unit services
  • use 999 in a life or limb threatening emergency.

There is likely to be some disruption to back office (non-patient facing) systems in areas such as patient referrals and medicines.

We will provide further advice to patients and the public as we understand more about the impact in Gloucestershire.

Background information and advice from NHS England can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/gp-collective-action-patient-information/