General practices in London have been told to expect a 5 per cent rise in workload during the Olympics.
NHS London told surgeries they must be able to assure PCTs they are prepared for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place between 27 July and 9 September.
The SHA said practices should operate 'business-as-usual' during the period, warning activity levels will be similar to what might be expected during a 'mild winter'. Non-elective and urgent care commitments could rise by 5 to 10 per cent.
It added it was down to staff members to decide whether to treat visitors as temporary residents, and 'provide immediately necessary primary care where clinically possible'.
'We are asking all NHS organisations to welcome visitors to the games and provide them with a positive experience of the NHS through appropriate treatment or signposting to the right health service including those visitors who may attend a GP surgery,' it said.
It urged general practices to consider whether staff commutes would be affected during the games; whether patient attendance might be made more difficult; and assess potential changes in service demand as a result of sporting and non-sporting events.