GP’s allowed to close this bank holiday

As reported by the NHS, the government has confirmed that Monday 19^th September 2022 will be a bank holiday

The NHS will be responsible for determining the patient services that should be maintained on this day, including primary care.

As the commissioner of primary care services, NHS England and integrated care boards (ICBs) have the responsibility to ensure patients can access the primary care services they need. However, primary care professionals and their teams will want to pay their respects on this day wherever possible and contractually may be supported to do so with the declaration of the bank holiday.

There must be ongoing access available to NHS primary care services as follows:

• COVID-19 vaccination services
• Cover for core GP services

GP practices will also wish to consider rescheduling pre-booked appointments and enabling patients to receive prescriptions, especially repeat medicines, in advance of the bank holiday. Likewise, it will be important for practices to signpost to other local primary care services when the practice is closed.