The NHS is asking the public to still come forward as usual for care during collective action by GP services beginning on Thursday 1 August.

GP services across England will begin collective action on Thursday 1 August for an indefinite period of time, and while there may be some disruption to services practices will remain open as usual and patients can make requests by phone, online or by walking in.

During collective action, practices are still required to be open during their normal opening hours.

It is vital that patients still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, and practices should inform you of any changes to services.

The nature of the action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices and from area to area but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day.

NHS teams have worked hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible to ensure services continued to be provided for patients. 

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: “GPs and their teams are the bedrock of the NHS, and we recognise they are working really hard and dealing with record demand. On behalf of patients, the NHS has a duty to plan for collective action, and we will continue to work with government to find a resolution and end collective action.

“Our message to the public remains the same – they should continue to come forward for care during this collective action, as GP practices will remain open.”

Patients should continue to use NHS 111, community pharmacies, the Walk-in Centre in Norwich, Minor Injury Unit in Cromer, and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency call 999.

Your local pharmacist may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

• Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.

During the summer months, there are plenty of ways people can prevent health issues before they become more serious and look after their health and wellbeing. For information and tips for a Happy Healthy Holiday, visit:  www.happyhealthyholidays.co.uk