1% pay rise and better terms for GPs

DOCTORS working in general practice are set to get a pay rise and better working conditions after a new contract was agreed by the Welsh Government.

In a speech to the Annual Conference of the Welsh Local Medical Committees, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething will today announce changes to the GP contract for 2017-18.

It means GPs will be given a 1% pay rise, with overall investment in general medical service increasing by approximately £27m.

There will also be a general expenses uplift of 1.4% to cover practice costs and an increase in funding for maternity, parental leave, and sickness absence.

In addition the contract vows to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape for GPs.

Organisations such as the Royal College of GPs have stated in recent years that general practice is in a “state of crisis” because of doctors’ huge workloads. The rise in patient numbers, workload and stress levels means many doctors are retiring early, going part-time or are moving to other fields.

Some 12 practices shut or were handed back to their health board last year. But the Welsh Government and health boards have tried to combat this by launching recruitment campaigns to make Wales an attractive prospect to work and live. The investment also promises to “enhance” services for all 22,700 nursing and residential care home residents in Wales and aims to reduce variations in care.