Hello everyone
As you know, all GP surgeries across the country are fighting for a larger share of NHS funding, so that we can provide better patient care. This is particularly important in a county such as Lincolnshire where we have a larger than average aging population, coupled with poorer than average public transport, which makes your GP surgery the best place to provide your care.
We know a lot of our patients feel equally strongly, and below you will find a letter you can send to your local MP, should you choose. We will also make sure this letter is available at reception if you don't have the ability to print a copy.
With a change of government, there has never been a better time for General Practice to push for these urgently needed changes, and we are grateful for any support you can offer
Thank you
Debbie
Your address here
Here
Here
Here
Here
8th October 2024
Dear INSERT MP from list at Annex A.
Letter to Lincolnshire MPs regards local general practice taking ‘collective action’
I write as one of your constituents regarding GP collective action in Lincolnshire.
Why am I writing to you?
I want to access high quality health care close to my home, at my GP practice. I want to have access when I need it to a wide range of services delivered by a GP practice team who I know and who know me.
I have been disappointed to hear that after years of real terms reduction in general practice funding, the imposed GP contract for 2024/25 has increased pressure on general practice at a time when patients are concerned about our health and accessing the care that we need.
Financial pressures on GP practices mean they are increasingly struggling to keep the doors open and the lights on to support me and my fellow patients.
My GP practice gets only 30p a day for each patient for unlimited care.
My GP practice funding is below levels of 2018/19 but costs for them to provide the services to me have gone up over 35% in that time.
My GP practice and other practices get only 6% of the NHS budget for 90% of all NHS activity.
My GP practice and other Lincolnshire GP practices’ local funding for crucial services like blood sampling and wound dressings is the second lowest in the country and they lose money for every blood sample they take!
My GP practice is doing more than 20% more appointments than pre-covid but still patients want more access.
My GP practice is not one of the 20% in Lincolnshire that has closed or merged in the last 10 years, but I am worried it may be.
While GP practices want to be able to provide the services we need at my own GP practice they are frustrated that funding and contracts have made this harder for them, as it has for us as patients.
They can only do so much with the funding, buildings and workforce they have.
My ask of you:
While I am concerned about my practice taking part in GP Collective Action, I now understand that they are doing this to try to protect me, my fellow patients, and the practice for the benefit of our future health.
They did not take this decision lightly and are concerned that this action may be misunderstood, so they need your and my support as my MP.
I understand that Lincolnshire LMC, who represent general practice in Lincolnshire, have written to you to help inform you, and asked to meet you, to discuss GP collective action and why GP practices have felt forced into action.
Surely my health is worth more than 30p a day? Please help them to help me.
Now is the time for you and your colleagues to support general practice and to support your constituents. Please meet with Lincolnshire LMC, please promote the need for support and increased resourcing for GP practices with your colleagues both locally and nationally and please ultimately support the stability of my future health by protecting my GP practice and every practice across Lincolnshire.
Kind regards,
YOUR NAME
Annexes
A. Contact List of Lincolnshire MPs
Annex A - Contact List of Lincolnshire MPs
Victoria Atkins MP – Conservative - Louth and Horncastle
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Phone: 020 7219 5897
Website: www.victoriaatkins.org.uk
Gareth Davies MP – Conservative - Grantham and Bourne
Constituency address:
Office 1
The Old National School
62 North Street
Bourne
PE10 9AJ
Phone: 020 7219 4931
Website: www.garethdavies.co.uk
Hamish Falconer MP – Labour - Lincoln
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP – Conservative - South Holland and The Deepings
Constituency address:
24-25 Westlode Street
Spalding
Lincs
PE11 2AF
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Phone: 01775 711534
Dr Caroline Johnson MP – Conservative - Sleaford and North Hykeham
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Phone: 01529 306721
Website: www.carolinejohnson.co.uk/
Alicia Kearns MP - Rutland and Stamford
Constituency address:
6 Market Street
Oakham
Rutland
LE15 6DY
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW10 0AA
Phone: 020 7219 3000
Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP – Conservative - Gainsborough
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Phone: 020 7219 6480
Website: www.edwardleigh.org.uk
Richard Tice MP - Reform UK - Boston and Skegness
Business address:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA