GP contract negotiations in Northern Ireland ‘have stalled’ and cannot move forward without a ‘firm commitment’ from the Department of Health for ‘additional core funding’ for general practice, the BMA has said.
The union announced today that Northern Irish GPs will now be asked to vote in a referendum opening on May 1 on whether they would accept or reject the current contract proposals for 2025/26 from the Department.
In the negotiations BMA was asking for the Department of Health to agree a 1% uplift in the core GP contract, full indemnity for all GPs and full cost recovery for the increase in National Insurance contributions.
BMA Northern Ireland GP committee chair Dr Frances O’Hagan said the union was ‘deeply disappointed’ that the negotiations could not move forward at this time.
She said: ‘It became clear in the negotiation meetings that the Department was not listening to our asks for more core funding, a full indemnity solution for all GPs and urgent funding to address the increase in National Insurance costs.
‘Our asks are simple and will help stabilise general practice. Without more funding we will see more contract hand backs as some practices will no longer be financially viable.’
Dr O’Hagan added that the Department has ‘focused on access issues’ for patients in the negotiations, but that their proposals on access were presented ‘very late into the negotiations’ and ‘have not been costed’.
She said: ‘There is also no evidence base to suggest that their proposals will improve access and some of their suggestions would also pose significant patient safety issues.
‘We were clear in discussions that we are happy to work with the Department on access proposals throughout the next year, but that was not acceptable to them.
‘We asked the Department for a final offer to put to GPs, as we have made a commitment that GPs across Northern Ireland will be able to vote on this year’s offer, but the Department have not replied to our most recent letter.
‘Therefore, we have no other option but to ask GPs whether the proposals as they currently stand are enough.
‘We are keen to hear the views of the profession to give us a mandate and advise us on the steps to move our negotiation forward.’
Dr O’Hagan also said that without more funding there is ‘a real risk’ that more practices will decide ‘they have had enough’ and ‘will close their doors for good’.
She said: ‘Others will have to take a hard look at their costs, including staffing costs and will have to decide if they can survive with fewer staff.
‘It’s time now for GPs to tell us their views and we are encouraging all GPs to take part in our referendum, have their say and give us insight into what we do next.’
The referendum will be open from 1 to 11 May.
A Department of Health spokesperson told Pulse: ‘Regrettably it has not been possible to reach agreement with the NI GPC in relation to the GMS contract in time for the commencement of the 2025/26 contracting year.
‘The minister had been keen to address public disquiet regarding the difficulty in accessing their GP – this has been a key element of the Department’s discussions with GPs in relation to the negotiations on the contract.
‘The minister has written to NI GPC today (16 April) offering to meet to discuss the 2025/26 contract. It is a matter of regret that the NIGPC has decided to announce their ballot of members in advance of that.
‘Ensuring that patients can continue to access high quality, sustainable GP services remains a key priority for the Department of Health.
‘The minister continues to view General Practice as a key enabler in “shifting left” by placing more emphasis on prevention and early intervention, rather than acute care in hospital.’
In November last year, NI LMCs voted in favour of demanding an increase in funding for general practice to a ‘minimum’ of 10% of the health budget – up from 5.4% currently.
