The Government has promised the biggest increase in funding for general practice in years and to cut ‘outdated’ targets to reduce red tape and free up time to spend on patient care.
The announcement at the end of 2024 also promised to enable GPs to employ practice nurses under the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS).
The Government has also urged GPs to hold off making any staff redundant following the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, saying that further announcements about funding will be made as part of the GP contract proposals for 2025-26.
The contract proposals will include an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget for general practice, and ‘bring back the family doctor’ by incentivising GPs to ensure patients ‘most in need’ see the same healthcare professional at every appointment.
The proposals will also reduce the number of ‘outdated performance targets’ – Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) indicators – from 76 to 44.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘General practice is buckling under the burden of bureaucracy, with GPs filling out forms instead of treating patients. It is clear the system is broken, which is why we are slashing red tape, binning outdated performance targets, and instead freeing doctors up to do their jobs.
‘We are proposing substantial additional investment and greater flexibility to employ doctors [and general practice nurses] so patients get better care.’
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: ‘Hard-working GP teams are delivering millions more appointments a month compared to before the pandemic, and it is vital they are given extra resources to improve access for patients and help people live healthier lives - with a renewed focus on preventing major killers, such as heart disease and strokes.
‘General practice is the front door to the NHS – speaking to GPs and their teams, they are clear that embracing reform is key to improving patient experience and managing record demand.’
The Government has also pledged an additional £100m to improve general practice premises, to ensure facilities fit to deliver effective, quality care. The NHS workforce plan published by the previous government will also be updated, with a focus on shifting care from hospitals into the community.
GPN pay
The BMA’s GP Committee (England) has also renewed calls for a fairer funding model for general practice nurses. It says: ‘We recognise decisions on pay awards for practice staff are determined by individual employers. However, nursing staff working in general practice should be provided with a fair pay settlement that recognises their essential nursing role in the holistic delivery of general practice services.
‘GPCE and RCN are committed to calling for a fairer funding model for general practice nursing staff and remain committed to finding solutions to achieve this and secure the long-term sustainability of general practice in England.’
