Health Minister says latest funding package ‘absolute limit' after almost all NI GPs turn down government offer

Belfast Telegraph

14-05-2025

The British Medical Association (BMA), a trade union for medics, revealed that 99.6% of those 1,381 GPs who responded to their ballot voted to reject the 25/26 General Medical Services contract offer from the department.
BMA representatives say 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.
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.
Mr Nesbitt said he met with BMA GP representatives on the 2025/26 contract and 'underlined the budgetary realities that I currently face this year'.
He added: 'In short, there is a projected half billion pound-plus shortfall between available monies and financial requirements across health and social care services.
'Despite these challenges, a package of £9.5 million additional funding is on offer to GPs.
'While I am determined to invest in and expand primary care going forward, this package is at the absolute limit of what is achievable this year. The package remains on the table.'
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister has also urged the health minister to ensure that 'sustainable funding for GP practices is prioritised', saying that Northern Ireland cannot have services that are fit for purpose without adequate provision.
The North Belfast MLA added: 'To say the result of the BMA's ballot was overwhelming does not even appear to adequately describe the scale of rejection. That 99.6% of votes received were in opposition to the Department of Health (DoH)'s proposals, GPs could not make their opposition more evident.
'We recently met with members of the GP Committee and it was clearly expressed that, instead of improving the financial stability of general practices, the proposed contract terms would result in an overall net loss of funding.
'At a time when we are seeing an increasing number of practices handing contracts back due to lack of financial viability, DoH need to be working collaboratively with GPs to understand what is needed to secure their future.
'Given that 89% of respondents also indicated their willingness to take further collective action if required, it is crucial that the Minister prioritises reopening discussions urgently, as I understand Dr Frances O'Hagan, Chair of the BMA GP Committee in Northern Ireland, has already written to him requesting a meeting.
'Inability to access care from GPs is one of the most common complaints we receive as elected representatives. This will not change unless the Health Minister ensures general practice is sustainably funded. Without a fit for purpose contract, we won't have fit for purpose services.'
Dr O'Hagan also said that 'the department has focused on access issues for patients in the negotiations'.
She added: '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.