New GP contract promises 1% pay rise and better conditions
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.
Mr Gething said: “In Wales our collaborative approach to the challenge of providing high-quality healthcare sets us apart.
“We have worked closely with our GP colleagues to create solutions that deliver the best care for patients.
“I’m confident that this approach of working in partnership is the right one as we continue to transform primary care in Wales. It provides a strong platform for GPs to continue to provide high-quality sustainable healthcare”
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 parttime or are moving to other fields.
A total of 12 practices shut or were handed back to their health board last year across the country.
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.
Responding to the contract announcement the Chair of General Practitioners Committee (GPC) Wales, Dr Charlotte Jones, said: “GPC Wales welcomes the collaborative approach taken by Welsh Government to help address the challenges facing GPs in Wales.
“I am certain that this approach will deliver the best outcomes for GPs and patients alike.
“The contract changes announced today will be part of a longer piece of work to review the entire contract and make it fit for the future.
“GPC Wales is looking forward to engaging in ongoing collaborative discussions over the months ahead.
“Additionally we welcome the ongoing investment into clusters, the recently announced £40m for premises development, and the £95m for training healthcare professionals that will support primary care. These funds go hand in hand with today’s announcement with the ultimate aim of strengthening primary care.”
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.