Are LMP staff going on strike?
LMP staff are not taking strike action or halting patient care. We are following BMA guidance, which may involve changes to how certain services are delivered. Our aim is to ensure that we continue to provide care while advocating for the future sustainability of general practice.
How long will this action last?
The duration of some of the action depends on ongoing negotiations between the BMA and the Government. We are committed to keeping patients updated on any developments and will provide further information as soon as we know more about the timeline for resolution.
Will I have to wait longer for routine services or treatments?
There may be some delays in routine appointments or non-urgent treatments as we adjust to new ways of delivering some services. We are working hard to minimize these delays and ensure that any impact on patients is as limited as possible.
What kind of services will be affected by the changes?
At the moment, unfunded and underfunded services may be affected. We will inform you of any specific services that may be redirected to ensure you have clear information.
Will my appointments be cancelled or rescheduled due to the action?
Only services that are not funded or are underfunded will be affected or rescheduled. We will notify you as early as possible if your appointment is affected.
How is this going to affect wait times and congestion at hospitals and other service providers now that certain services will be directed elsewhere?
We understand that any changes in our service delivery may affect other parts of the NHS. We are taking steps to ensure that only specific services are redirected to other healthcare providers, with as minimal an impact as possible. However, we anticipate some increase in demand and we are working closely with local healthcare providers to manage this and keep patients informed.
Nurses recently turned down a government offer of a wage increase. Does their strike impact LMP?
LMP operates separately from NHS hospital and nursing staff. The current actions related to pay disputes involving nurses do not directly affect LMP staff or services. However, we understand the broader healthcare system is interconnected, and any disruption in hospitals could lead to increased pressure on GP services. Our team is doing everything possible to maintain normal service levels.
How can I stay informed about changes to services during this period?
We will keep you informed of all the changes through our website, social media and information leaflets / posters in our waiting rooms and if you have any specific concerns or questions, you can always reach out to our team, and we will do our best to provide clear information.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency during the action?
If you have a medical emergency, please continue to use emergency services as you normally would by calling 999 or visiting A&E. For urgent but non-emergency care, you can contact 111 or reach out to us. If we have used all our available capacity we will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs.
We understand that change can be challenging, If you have any more concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the practice team.