The BMA’s Welsh GP committee has voted to accept the revised 24/25 GMS (General Medical Services) contract offer proposed by the Welsh Government after 99% of GPs in Wales voted overwhelmingly to reject the original offer in December
The committee was presented with a significantly improved offer from the Welsh Government in January, marking a positive turn in the contract negotiations. This was a direct response to the overwhelming contract referendum result, which saw a record number of GPs in Wales join the BMA.
The revised offer, which includes an additional but non-recurrent £23 million practice stabilisation payment, now brings the total additional investment for the 24/25 financial year to £52.1 million. This will help GPs deliver vital services to their communities, providing greater stability to practices, patients and staff.
The revised offer ensures fair remuneration for all practice staff, including GP partners and salaried GPs. It realises the DDRB (doctors and dentists pay review body) recommendation of a 6% pay uplift.
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee, stated:
“As a committee, we voted unanimously to accept the Welsh Government’s revised offer on the basis that this significant uplift will provide GPs with greater stability in the immediate term given the challenging circumstances practices find themselves in.
“We are pleased that the Welsh Government swiftly grasped the strength of feeling amongst the profession and took decisive action by providing a credible offer which we hope will provide GPs with much-needed resources to deliver vital care to patients.
“We acknowledge that this settlement does not resolve every issue, and we have reservations about non-recurrent funding given the awareness of upcoming unavoidable costs from the start of the financial year. Nevertheless, it provides a solid foundation we can build upon in the next round of negotiations for the 25/26 contract; we have assurances from the Welsh Government that this will take place as early as possible.
“Thank you to everyone who voted in the contract referendum and for sharing your experiences. Our collective resolve has delivered a fairer deal for general practice, and we will continue to use this mandate to improve GP services for everyone across Wales.”
Ends
Notes to editors
More information on the revised 24/25 GMS contract offer
About the GMS contract
The General Medical Services (GMS) contract is an agreement between GP practices and the NHS. It outlines the services GPs are required to provide and how they are compensated. There are separate and differing GMS contracts in each UK nation, negotiated between respective governments and the General Practitioners Commitee of the BMA in that country. Most practices are owned and operated by GP partners essentially as small businesses, that are contracted to provide services on behalf of the NHS.
Background:
On Tuesday 5th November this year the BMA’s Welsh GP committee confirmed that it had voted to reject the 24/25 GMS contract offer from the Welsh Government and announced that it would open a referendum to the wider profession to vote to accept or reject the contract offer
The online referendum ran from 25th November – 16th December and on 18th December 2024 the result was announced showing 99% of GP members had voted to reject the contract offer.
Read our Save Our Surgeries campaign which captures the crisis facing GPs in Wales
About the BMA
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.