Talking General Practice Why online access triggered a new GP dispute, workforce plan priorities, GP premises crisis
Oct 3, 2025
Disputes arise as the BMA challenges the government's online access plans, questioning safety protocols. Listeners learn about workforce shortages and the delayed NHS plan, along with the need for urgent improvements in dilapidated GP premises. The BMA's survey reveals the dire conditions faced by practices. Amidst the challenges, a GP's incredible endurance run around Cornwall shines a light on early-onset dementia, raising funds and awareness for a touching cause.
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All-Day Online Systems Create Hidden Risk
- Keeping online consultation systems on all day risks unlimited non-urgent submissions and hidden urgent cases.
- GPs worry screening huge volumes for urgent issues creates major safety and workload problems.
Political Rhetoric Escalates The Dispute
- Wes Streeting framed easier digital booking as comparable to booking a takeaway or taxi and criticised GP resistance.
- That rhetoric has inflamed tensions by implying clinicians oppose progress rather than raising safety concerns.
Enforce Structured Online Triage
- Remove free-text boxes and force structured tick-box options to prevent urgent cases bypassing warnings.
- Require patients to call or attend if their issue isn’t listed to protect safety and limit inappropriate submissions.