As reported in the media, UK GPs have voted for industrial action. Summertown health centre is NOT taking part in the action.
We are supportive of our colleagues who are taking action, but we do not feel able to take any action that might impact on our patients.
The situation remains however that general practice is under enormous pressure. Primary Care is the bedrock of the NHS, and the vast majority (90%) of NHS work takes place in general practice1 , yet it receives less than 10% of the budget2
Funding to primary care has been squeezed relentlessly over the last decade or so, whilst demand has increased significantly, and we are providing more appointments year on year.
As we are a large practice, we have been able to weather these very difficult years, but it has not been the case for smaller practices who have folded in really difficult circumstances. This is why we stand by our colleagues who are taking action to try and help propel positive change.
References
1 Transforming primary care in London (england.nhs.uk)
2 Primary Care Services Explained | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)
