The British Medical Association has told Health Secretary Wes Streeting to act within 48 hours to prevent a dispute with GPs over plans to keep online access available during working hours. From 1 October, GP practices in England will be required to keep their online consultation tool open for non-urgent requests, including appointments, medication queries and admin tasks, for the duration of the day. The change was announced by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England in February as part of the 2025/26 GP contract designed to end the 8am scramble for phone appointments.

The BMA says safeguards promised by Government have not been put in place and no extra staff have been recruited to manage what it calls a potential “barrage of online requests”. It warns the move could create hospital-style waiting lists in general practice and reduce face-to-face appointments, risking patient safety as staff triage online submissions. Many surgeries already have online request systems, but the department says there is inconsistency, with some practices turning the function off during busier periods.

Last week the BMA confirmed its GP members had voted to enter into dispute over the change. Ahead of the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, the association has urged Streeting to intervene to avert the row. Dr Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA GP committee, said: “We agreed to these changes on the condition that ‘necessary safeguards’ would be put in place before Wednesday 1 October. This was agreed – in writing – with Government, DHSC, and NHSE in February this year.” The group questioned how patients would be kept safe as the system expands, and emphasised that general practice remains a leader in NHS technology. “We’re not resistant to change but we will be when the safety of patients and practice staff is at risk. The Government has 48 hours to change course, avoid this dispute, and keep to their promises.”