GPs vote for collective action in row over funding
The Department of Health said the health minister remains open to discussions
GPs in Northern Ireland have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking collective action, in a row over funding for general practice.
Almost 99% who took part in a BMA vote are in support of the move, which the union says will see GP practices withdrawing some non-funded services.
Proposed actions include limiting daily patient consultations to 25 per day.
Dr Frances O’Hagan from the BMA says it's unprecedented:
"We've been warning for well over a decade now that general practice has not been funded to meet the needs of the increasing population and the failure to act on this would have consequences on patient care.
"Frustratingly these warnings have fallen on deaf ears."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said:
"The Department notes the outcome of the ballot of GP Partners by the BMA NI in relation to collective action.
"At this time, we have not yet received formal confirmation from the BMA of the outcome, nor of the specific measures that will comprise the collective action.
"It will be important that GPs continue to adhere to the terms of their contract while taking any action, that there is no negative impact on patient safety and that access to service are maintained.
"The Department recognises that primary care system is under considerable, sustained pressure and GPs and their teams are working hard but are struggling to meet the demand from patients.
"The financial challenges facing the Department of Health are well-known.
"In that context, the £9.5m in additional funding included in the 2025/26 GMS contract represented the best possible offer the Department could make for 2025/26.
"It is a matter of regret that the Department has not been able to reach agreement in relation to the 2025/26 GMS contract.
"As the Minister stated in his Oral Statement on Monday 19 May, he remains open to discussion as to how best to secure the future of general practice so that it can remain a central part of primary care services now and in the future.
"The Department has already written to NIGPC inviting them to engage in formal negotiations to develop a new GMS contract, the aim of which will be to help stabilise practices; will be more equitable for practices; will more closely reflect population need; and will enable practices playing a leading role in the new neighbourhood model of care.
"The Department has not yet had a response to this offer."
In response to this the Dr O'Hagan said:
"We want the minister to come back to the table with a credible offer.
"To be clear the minister's department has written to us a couple of days ago to ask us to join negotiations for next year, not this year, next year."