From 1 June, GPCE are urging GP partnerships and practices across England to take part in a further collective action, in the face of the Government’s continued intransigence. GPCE are thankful to every practice that has taken part in collective action around data sharing agreements during May to stay safe and sustainable in the face of the 2026/27 imposed GP contract. It was hoped that an escalation in action could be averted but unfortunately, the Government remains unwilling to agree to the mitigations the profession needs.
This is why the BMA are asking you to start a new action alongside the ongoing action on DSAs (practice data sharing agreements) that was launched last month (also see here). During June, we are asking practices to remove or ignore any non-contractual medicines optimisation software and amend your choices of acute prescription, which may fall outside the remit of the ICB formulary. This may include, for example, issuing a branded or liquid formulation that may still be a perfectly acceptable and justifiable choice for the care of the patient in front of you in the consultation.
Taking part in this action is lawful. We know some of you may have this software added onto your system or prescribing incentives as part of a locally commissioned service.
GPCE recognise that many of you may have kept medicine optimisation software switched off since it was part of the 2024 collective action so focus on your acute prescribing choices.
Ensure safe prescribing decisions are determined by you, rather than driven by the financial imperatives of the DHSC which is refusing to amend the undeliverable imposed 2026/27 GMS contract.
Prescribe whatever may be in the best interests of your patient in line with GMC guidance. Your patients will see minimal impact and will receive a prescription appropriate for their clinical presentation. The impacts on ICB prescribing budgets will be dwarfed by Acute Trust overspend, which is perpetually ‘written off’ by Government.
Read the BMA Focus on guidance on Switching off medicines optimisation software
Access BMA resources to help you understand the need to take part in this collective action
