Important Patient Update: Changes to Services at LMP as Part of BMA Action
We want to inform you about important changes taking place at LMP as part of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) collective action in response to the increasing pressures on GP practices across the UK. This action is part of the BMA’s efforts to address issues related to underfunded services, rising demand, and the sustainability of general practice, which have been putting immense strain on healthcare providers.
What is the BMA and Why Are They Taking Action?
The British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and trade union that represents doctors and medical students in the UK. One of their primary roles is to negotiate contracts and working conditions for healthcare providers, including GPs. Recently, the BMA has been advocating for better funding and working conditions for GPs to ensure that they can continue to provide high-quality care to patients.
You can find out more about the BMA’s recommended actions here: https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/gp-campaigns/contracts/gp-contract-202425-changes
As you may have noticed, the pressures on GP practices have reached a critical point, with many facing closures due to unsustainable workloads and funding issues. By taking these proactive steps, we can protect the future of general practice, safeguard our financial viability, and ensure we continue to deliver essential care. The BMA’s collective action is designed to address these issues, ensuring that practices like ours can remain financially sustainable while continuing to deliver essential care.
Why Are These Changes Necessary?
The past decade has seen us lose over 1,000 GP surgeries and there are 10,000 fewer GPs. The Government promised us 6,000 more GPs at the last general election, but the numbers are still going down. The Government have imposed a contract on GPs that is resulting in more local practices closing, more GPs leaving and access for patients getting worse and worse.
As healthcare demands increase, it has become crucial for us to focus on services that are fully funded, allowing us to allocate resources where they are most needed. By transitioning certain services to other healthcare providers or commissioned services, we can maintain the quality and timeliness of patient care while ensuring that our practice remains sustainable in the long term.
What This Means for You:
Focused Care: Despite some changes, our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-focused care remains unchanged. We will continue to prioritize your health and well-being in everything we do.
Transitioning Services: Some services that are not funded or underfunded will now be referred to other healthcare providers. This ensures that you continue to receive the care you need, even if it is delivered by a different provider.
Maintaining Continuity: Your GP will continue to oversee your care and will ensure a smooth transition for any services that are affected. We will work closely with the relevant healthcare providers to ensure that your care remains uninterrupted and that you receive the support you need.
Clear Communication: For patients directly impacted by these changes, we will provide clear, timely information about how your care will be managed. You will receive detailed guidance on what to expect, and our team will be available to answer any questions you may have.
What Services Are Changing?
While not all services will be affected, some services that are underfunded or not fully supported will be transitioned to other healthcare providers. If you are affected by these changes, you will be informed in advance. Rest assured, these transitions will be handled carefully to ensure minimum disruption in your care. We have also been in close contact with our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and Healthwatch who will be providing crucial guidance as we navigate these changes.
Next Steps:
In the coming weeks, we will be communicating directly with patients who may be affected by these changes. If your care is transitioning to another provider, we will provide you with all the information you need to ensure a smooth handover.
If you have questions, please visit our FAQs for additional information.
If you any immediate concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to speak with your GP or contact our practice team.
We understand that change can be challenging, but these adjustments are essential to protect the future of general practice in Lancaster and ensure we can continue providing the best care for our community. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.