The ways GPs could be restricted during industrial action - and what to do if you need to see a doctor

The NHS is urging the public to still come forward for care as unprecedented industrial action by GPs begins starts today (Thursday 1 August).

GP services across England will begin collective action today, Thursday August 1, for an indefinite period of time, and the NHS is warning that there may be disruption to services. As part of the action, the BMA will encourage surgeries to select from a list of 10 actions, with practices having the freedom to decide how many they implement.

These actions include limiting the number of patients seen by GPs each day to 25, opting not to perform work they are not formally contracted to do, refusing to share patient data unless it is in the best interest of the patient, and referring patients directly to specialists rather than adhering to NHS processes.

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However, practices will remain open as usual and patients can make requests by phone, on-line or by walking in. During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 8am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The NHS has issued a warning, saying it is vital that patients still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, as practices should inform patients directly of any changes to services as a result of the action. Practices should also provide reasonable care to patients, including making appointments available, providing advice or care to patients by another means, giving advice on alternative services, according to the NHS.

The nature of the action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices and from area to area but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day,