MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Health and Social Care: I am pleased to announce I have accepted
the recommendations on headline pay, made by the Doctors and
Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2026-27. This means all those
employed by the NHS on medical and dental terms and conditions
will receive a pay award, effective from 1 April 2026.
I have accepted the DDRB recommendation for a 3.5% consolidated
uplift effective from 1 April for the following groups:
- Consultants
- Specialty, specialist, and associate specialist (SAS) doctors
and dentists
- Resident doctors and dentists
- Locally employed doctors
I have also accepted the DDRB recommendation for a 3.75%
consolidated uplift effective from 1 April to pay for salaried
dentists working in Community Dental Services and the Public
Dental Service.
I also accept in principle the DDRB recommendations of a 3.5% pay
uplift in relation to contractor GPs (3.5%) and a 3.75% uplift to
the pay element of dental contracts. However, the application of
the recommended pay uplifts for contracted GPs and dentists and
how those are considered alongside overall contract changes, will
be a decision for the next government.
While falling outside the scope of DDRB recommendations, I have
remained committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate uplift
across the whole of primary care, including community pharmacy,
NHS optometry, and all staff working in general practice and NHS
dental teams. They play an essential role in delivering
high-quality care to the people of Wales, and it is right that
this is recognised.
The DDRB has made a number of additional recommendations not
directly related to headline pay, these will be considered
separately in conjunction with partners so as not to delay this
announcement.
I would like to extend my thanks to all NHS staff for their
ongoing dedication and hard work. Your commitment to providing
exceptional care and services is valued and appreciated.
