More than £41m extra will be invested into general practice this
year as part of a deal struck between the Welsh Government and
GPs.
The deal includes a 4% uplift to the general medical services
contract in 2025-26, in line with the independent Doctors and
Dentists Review Body (DDRB) recommendations, and a guaranteed
5.8% recurrent funding uplift from 2026-27, underlining the
government's commitment to continue to invest in primary care and
community-based services.
Health Secretary said: “This
investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to general
practice in Wales. The 4% pay uplift ensures fair recognition for
GPs and practice staff who work tirelessly to deliver care for
communities across our country.
“By providing multi-year funding certainty, we're enabling
practices to plan for the future with confidence and invest in
the transformation our primary care services need. This agreement
supports our community-by-design programme, which will reshape
services around local needs and help deliver more care closer to
home.
“I'm grateful to all who have been involved in the discussions
for their collaborative approach in reaching this point.”
The agreement follows constructive negotiations between the Welsh
Government, NHS Wales, and GPC (General Practitioners Committee)
Wales.
The package for 2025-26 includes £37.9m in new investment and the
re-investment of £4m in additional capacity funding. It sees a
1.77% uplift for expenses to help manage rising costs, alongside
a recurrent £20m to support immediate stabilisation and to
prepare for the next phase of service reform.
It also increases the partnership premium to support the
retention of experienced clinicians and to make GP partnerships
more attractive and sustainable, securing continuity of care for
patients.
A review of the allocation formula of the General Medical
Services contract will also be undertaken – the first
comprehensive assessment in more than 20 years.
The Health Secretary added: “Reviewing the
allocation formula of the GMS contract presents a major
opportunity to ensure that funding is distributed fairly and
reflects the current needs of practices and communities across
Wales.
“I am also pleased working groups will be established to drive
forward improvements including in access standards and diabetes
prevention. GPs will also be actively participating in developing
innovative service models that enhance access, improve outcomes,
and deliver care locally.”
