On 15 May, the new access regulations come into force for GMS and PMS contract-holders. These changes were imposed after GPC England roundly rejected NHSE’s proposals for the 2023/24 year.

The BMA firmly believe access regulations are fundamentally misconceived. It is not possible to meaningfully increasepatient access without dealing with the issue throttling the access in the first place – workload and capacity in general practice. During contract negotiations they made clear our concern with this  approach to dealing with systemic problems, and forcefully bargained for real solutions.

Their proposals were rejected, and the Government has elected to push forward with these changes.

The BMA  have developed guidance for practices to help them navigate this.