23/12/2025
‼️Contractual Changes from 5th January 2026
Changes to how all GP surgeries operate came into force from 1st October 2025 and are being imposed by the government in the GP contract. We have concerns that the new blanket imposition may impact how we provide access to our patients and we feel little consideration has been given to the operational differences between a rural GP surgery such as ourselves and that of an inner-city surgery serving tens of thousands of patients. To maintain our patient care and safety, whilst ensuring robust changes could be implemented, we requested to delay the enforced changes until the 5th January.
All practices are required to allow access in person & via telephone between 8.00am and 6.30pm. GP practices also need to ensure their online consultation tool is open during these new core hours for non-urgent requests only and administration enquiries.
In relation to online consultations, your request will be appropriately signposted within 24 hours such as self-care/referral information or a future routine health care appointment e.g. clinical pharmacists, nursing or GP appointments (which may be via phone or in person). Please note this does not necessarily mean appointments offered at the surgery are within 24 hours but the initial signposting will be provided within this timeframe.
The changes do not include branch surgeries and Shenington’s opening hours will remain the same.
These changes do not include the nursing team or the dispensary’s opening hours (the opening hours for the dispensary at both sites is visible on our website and differs from the building opening times)
The changes do not alter the current booking system for appointments other than the phone lines open at 8am rather than 9am.
We will still be permitted to close for mandatory training and there are only 9 half day closures during 2026. The dates will be published on our website and advertised prior to each date.
At this stage we do not know how these changes will impact our healthcare provision. We will be raising concerns with the local ICB and Department of Health if demand increases or access decreases as a result of these changes from our current data. Your safety and the quality of the care you receive continues to be our top priority.
Please be patient with us while we work towards the new requirements. You can keep up to date with all surgery news by checking our website and page.
