ICBs will be sending out Contract Variation Notices for signature, if they have not already done so. We have had quite a few GPs and PMs asking if the LMC or GPC England have “approved” this change,  or if it is “OK” to sign the contract variation.

This is a nationally imposed change. Your Union, the BMA,  has announced a period of Collective Action. The current imposed GMS contract and associated funding is widely seen as inadequate to deliver 21^st century General Practice.

Therefore, practices may (at any time, but particularly during Collective Action)  opt NOT to sign the Contract Variation Notice.

Signing may be seen as acceptance or even endorsement of the deal NHSE has imposed.

As always, these imposed GMS contract variations will take effect 14 days from the date they are served on the practice,  regardless of whether or not the practice signs.

Not signing is a small but potentially useful message back to NHSE, and it will not harm patients or alter your services or funding in any way. 

We will support any practice who chooses not to participate in “signing” an imposed contract.