You will be aware that the Government has imposed the GP Contract for 2026/27. 99% of BMA GP members who participated in the recent BMA referendum voted to reject the changes.
As a result, GPC England has announced GP Collective Action starting from May 2026, with the first stage focused on Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) and the secondary use of GP
patient data. This initial phase focuses on ensuring that all existing Data Sharing Agreements are appropriately reviewed, so that practices are satisfied that any data sharing is lawful, proportionate, and in the interests of patients and the practice. This action will be beneficial to practices and should be welcomed by patients. It may create challenges for the wider Government agenda, especially with the increasing transfer of work coming from hospitals to practices without commensurate resources under the ‘left shift’ agenda.
The action is planned to be incremental with new actions added monthly.
We recognise this is a difficult and sensitive area, so we have put together a summary guidance page on our website to help make things a little clearer; to bring together the background, practical steps and resources published by the BMA.
GP Collective Action DSAsThis page includes links to:
- BMA background guidance
- Template DSA letter
- FAQs
- Practical guidance on reviewing DSAs within GP systems
- Briefing material regarding the proposed Single Care Record
LMCs are separate organisations from the BMA, who are the trade union, and, as such, we cannot advise practices to breach contractual obligations. What we can do, though, is help by signposting relevant information and resources so that practices can make local decisions as clearly and confidently as possible.
We know views on GP Collective Action will vary between practices and individuals, and that these decisions will not feel straightforward for everyone. We hope that this simple first step is something that ALL practices will feel is manageable, especially as it is unlikely to adversely affect patient care.
Concerns around workload, workforce, data governance and the sustainability of general practice are clearly being felt across the whole SSLMCs confederation. This Collective Action represents an initial, practical step for practices in responding to current pressures.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any concerns. You may consider following our WhatsApp channel for further updates on this and many other areas of work we are currently focussing on: LMC Line (WhatsApp Channel) – Surrey and Sussex LMCS.
We also have GP Action WhatsApp Communities with membership open to all GPs, including partners, sessional and locum colleagues, GP retainers, GP trainees and practice/business managers within Surrey and Sussex LMCs: Our WhatsApp Communities – Surrey and Sussex LMCS.
Dr Chrissie Clayton, Senior Medical Director