GP Contractual Changes from 1st October

What You Need to Know

You may have seen recent media reports about changes to GP contracts coming into effect from 1st October.

We understand this has caused some confusion and concern, so we’d like to clarify what these changes actually mean for you and your care at Greenway Community Practice.

What Are the Changes?

From 1st October, updates to the contract between GP surgeries and the NHS come into effect. These are part of wider efforts to:

• Improve access to healthcare services
• Support sustainable GP practice operations
• Better meet the evolving needs of patients

Some reports have suggested these changes will force GP surgeries to stay open longer, reduce appointments, or close earlier. These claims are inaccurate and misleading.

What’s Actually Changing?

The main change is a requirement for online consultation systems (like eConsult) to be available during core hours—from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday. GP practices must ensure that responses to online consultation requests are actioned the same day, within core hours.

At Greenway Community Practice, this does not require any change to how we currently operate. We already ensure that:

• Your eConsult request will be reviewed and responded to within 24 hours (Monday to Friday)
• You will be informed of what action will be taken
  • this may include a follow-up appointment, a prescription, further advice, or signposting to the most appropriate service

What This Means for You

There are no changes to how you access our services.

You can continue to contact us in the way that suits you best:

• By phone
• In person
• Through our online consultation system, eConsult, available on our website

eConsult remains a non-urgent service and will continue to be triaged in the usual way. The service is available Monday to Friday, as before.

Reassurance for Our Patients

Please be assured that we remain open and ready to support your health needs.

Despite media speculation, there is no change to the way in which we operate, our appointment availability or the ways in which you can contact us.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch.

Greenway Community Practice

Published: Oct 3, 2025