Will the Minister provide an update on the negotiations between the Welsh Government and BMA Cymru Wales's GP Committee over the future of the General Medical Services contract for 2023-24?
Contract negotiations for the 2023-24 General Medical Services contract commenced in September 2023. During the course of those negotiations, an offer was made of a 5% uplift to pay for all staff working in general practice, as part of a wider package of change and investment.
This offer was below the independent pay review body recommendation of a 6% pay uplift for GPs, but went further by making funding available to enable a fair pay uplift for all staff, including practice nurses and administration staff.
While we understand this offer is disappointing to the GP profession, is at the very limit of what we can afford and is made at a time of unprecedented financial constraints. It also reflects the pay position reached with other health unions.
Following five constructive meetings, the General Practitioners Committee Wales paused contract negotiations. Throughout the negotiations period and subsequently there has been an ongoing commitment from all parties to constructive working relations which has seen additional discussions taking place.
We hope that these discussions see a pragmatic outcome reached to enable investment in General Medical Services for the benefit of patients and everyone working in general practice.