Talking General Practice Will online access row trigger industrial action, Scotland agrees GP contract, Premises funding
Oct 31, 2025
The podcast dives into the intense debate around the requirement for online consultations, spotlighting the rising workload for GPs and simmering tensions between the government and the BMA. As the England LMCs conference looms, potential industrial action is on the table. Meanwhile, good news surfaces from Scotland with a substantial funding deal for GPs. The conversation also uncovers how premises funding is being allocated in England and emphasizes practices recognized for their outstanding end-of-life care.
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Online Access Increased Workload
- Practices warned the October rule to keep online consultation systems open has led to increased workload and urgent cases coming through.
- Some practices had to divert clinicians or hire extra staff, creating direct financial and capacity pressures.
Clarify Purpose To Patients
- Communicate clearly to patients that online consultation is for non-urgent requests and not appointment booking.
- Avoid promoting the system as identical to consumer booking to reduce inappropriate urgent submissions.
Accidental A&E Message Sparked Row
- An LMC email error in the North East and North Cumbria accidentally suggested diverting patients to A&E, causing local tensions.
- The incident escalated nationally into letters from Wes Streeting accusing the BMA of fostering dangerous extremism before being resolved locally.