You may be aware that General Practitioners across the UK have been in dispute with the government over the imposition of a new contract which we collectively feel threatens the long-term provision of high quality general practice. The BMA (the doctor’s union), has balloted the profession and the results strongly support industrial action. We understand this may be causing anxiety about services provided to you as our patients. The Partner’s at the surgery have decided to continue to provide all current services for the foreseeable future with no “strike action” or reduction in appointments planned.
General Practice in Salisbury and south Wiltshire is, like the rest of the UK, under immense pressure, which has been building for many years. We have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible care for our patients in extremely difficult circumstances which have included constricted finances, hugely increased workload, major problems with staff recruitment and retention as well as the covid19 pandemic and ensuing vaccination drives. As a result of these pressures, the BMA has voted to both reject the 2024/25 contract, and in favour of collective action. Individual GP surgeries will choose separately how, and when, they engage in each of the ten BMA-agreed actions. We will always strive to protect our patients from any negative impacts that these actions might have on their medical care.
Drs Halsey, King and Gallagher