New indemnity scheme for GPs launched

TODAY we have confirmed the Welsh Government will introduce a state-backed scheme to provide clinical negligence indemnity for GPs in Wales.

The scheme is planned to come into force from April next year, and will cover all contracted GPs and other health professionals working in NHS GP practices.

This will be welcome news to the GP workforce in Wales, who have expressed concerns about rising indemnity costs and the long-term impact this could have on services and wider GP recruitment and retention.

We have listened to these concerns and today’s announcement introduces a sustainable and long-term solution.

Wales will align, as far as possible, with the state-backed scheme announced for GPs in England.

This will mean GPs in Wales are not at a disadvantage, and will ensure GP recruitment and cross-border activity is not adversely affected by different schemes operating in England and Wales.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates our commitment to invest in primary care in Wales and attract GPs to train and work here, as well as retaining our existing workforce.

We have worked with GPC Wales and other partners to reach today’s announcement on a state-backed indemnity scheme, and I am pleased it has their full support.

We will continue to work with them to further develop the way the scheme will operate, but I have been clear that the scheme will cover the wider practice clinical team, including clinical negligence liabilities arising from the activities of wider multi-discipline teams working across clusters.

I will provide further details of the scheme once these details are finalised.

However, I hope today’s announcement gives the reassurance our hardworking GP workforce deserves.

■ Health Secretary Vaughan Gething