BMA enters a formal dispute with government over new rules on GP access.
From 1 October 2025, surgeries must allow patients to request appointments at any time during core hours (8am–6.30pm, Mon–Fri) by phone, in person or online. This was agreed between the government and British Medical Association (BMA) in April as part of negotiations for the GP contract 2025-26.
However, the BMA is concerned that current online platforms can’t separate urgent from routine requests, risking delays in serious cases when practices are already overstretched. They want safeguards and reassurances that practices won’t face penalties if they redirect patients due to lack of capacity.
Healthwatch Cornwall is concerned patients risk being caught in the middle, with the government promising improvements while GPs say they may struggle to deliver them, and urges a quick resolution so patients benefit consistently nationwide.
