Safe working in general practice in England guidance

Workload prioritisation

Location: England
Audience: GPs
Updated: Tuesday 3 December 2024

We strongly recommend that practices cease all non-contractual work and divert their resources to core services. This may include giving notice on enhanced services if these are deemed to not be financially viable.

Practices are obliged to provide care for their patients as defined in the core GMS contract. Care outside of the core GMS contract is detailed in DES (Directed Enhanced Service), LCS (Locally Commissioned Services), QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) and IIF (Investment and Impact Fund) arrangements.

Providing patient care within these arrangements is voluntary for practices and attracts payment separate to core GMS.