GP contract negotiations with the Department of Health for the 2025-2026 GP contract have stalled, with BMA representatives saying they cannot move forward without a firm commitment from the Department for additional core funding for general practice.
GPs across Northern Ireland will now be asked to vote in a referendum on whether they would accept or reject the proposals from the Department as they currently stand.
Speaking about the situation, BMA NI GP committee chair Dr Frances O’Hagan said, “We are deeply disappointed that we have got to this point, however 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.”
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 NIC contributions.
Dr O’Hagan added; “The Department has focused on access issues for patients in the negotiations. Increased access is something we all want, but the Department’s proposals on access were presented very late into the negotiations and have not been costed. 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.
“Without more funding there is a real risk that more practices will decide they have had enough and will close their doors for good. 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.
“Morale among GPs is at an all-time low. We already see 200,000 patients per week, 1 in 10 of the population, but we are being asked to see even more with less funding. It really has put the profession at breaking point.
“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 1st to 11th May 2025.
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Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.