Breaking:More than four in 10 GP practices are still limiting daily… read more

More than 40% of GP practices in England continue to limit the number of patient contacts per day as part of ongoing collective action, according to a new survey by Pulse and Management in Practice. The survey, which included 496 practices across the country and was completed by partners and practice managers, found that 42% are capping daily consultations at 25 per GP. Additionally, 36% of the practices surveyed are refusing to take on work that is not funded.

This continued action follows the recent 2025/26 GP contract agreement, which ended the national dispute between GPs and the government. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) clarified that collective action remains in place but is now directed toward Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) rather than central government.

Dr. David Wrigley, deputy chair of the BMA GP committee in England, responded to the survey findings by acknowledging that while the new contract may shift how practices deliver care—such as by expanding digital access through e-consultations—it does not require GPs to accept unlimited workloads that could risk patient safety. He emphasized that many practices remain under significant strain due to persistent staffing shortages and inadequate funding.

Wrigley highlighted the ongoing issue of commissioning gaps, which leave practices to shoulder responsibilities without sufficient financial support. He stressed the importance of empowering practices to work with Local Medical Committees (LMCs) to renegotiate care pathways at the local level to ensure they are adequately resourced. GPs are also being encouraged to follow long-standing safe working guidance, which has existed for nearly a decade.

According to Wrigley, forcing practices to take on more work without proper