Is General Practice Facing a private "Dentistry Model" Future?

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Andy flies solo to dive into what is arguably the most critical and headline-grabbing issue in general practice right now. Following the imposed contract in April, collective action is already underway—but the conversation has rapidly shifted. We are now seeing serious high-level discussions, BMA ballots, and even parliamentary motions exploring a "Plan B": a move toward a means-tested, subscription-based private GP model reminiscent of NHS dentistry.

Andy breaks down how we got here, the shifting appetite for private work among GPs, and what this means for the future of the profession and patient access.

⏱️ Timeline & Episode Markers

• 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Andy solo update.
• 01:15 – The Backstory: The imposed April contract and why the profession rejected it.
• 03:00 – Collective Action So Far: Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) and medicine optimisation software.
• 04:45 – The Rise of "Plan B": The LMC Conference vote and the GPDF funding resolutions.
• 07:20 – The Upcoming BMA Plan B Ballot: What a "subscription-based" GP service could look like.
• 09:40 – Parliamentary Traction: The Early Day Motion (EDM) and the DHSC's response.
• 11:15 – Data Check: Just how many GPs are looking to scale up private work? (The Wesleyan Poll).
• 13:30 – Andy’s Reflections: How the BMA using private care as a bargaining chip marks a massive generational shift.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Pulse Article: UK GP leaders vote to explore dentist model outside the NHS
• Pulse Article: Proposal to cut BMA GP committee funding voted down
• Pulse Article: General practice 'Plan B' ballot will be open to all GPs
• UK Parliament: Early Day Motion 66054: General Practice Funding and Model
• Pulse Article: Two-thirds of GPs likely to increase private work due to imposed contract

💬 What are your thoughts on "Plan B"? Are you considering increasing your private portfolio, or do you feel we must protect the core NHS model at all costs? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @eGPlearning.

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