Welsh GPs call for more NHS funding to strengthen general practice
Welsh GPs warn years of underinvestment are putting pressure on surgeries, with the BMA calling for a bigger share of NHS funding.
Welsh GPs are calling for a bigger share of the NHS budget to be spent on general practice, warning that years of underinvestment have left surgeries under growing pressure.
The British Medical Association says 106 GP practices have closed across Wales since 2012, while the number of patients per full-time GP has increased by 31 per cent.
The BMA report found only around 6 per cent of the NHS Wales budget is currently spent on general practice.
Its latest Save Our Surgeries report says financial pressures are also forcing practices to make difficult decisions.
It founf 43 per cent of GPs have seen recruitment freezes introduced, while 23 per cent report reductions in services, including minor surgery and shared care.
BMA says 63 per cent of GPs surveyed believe increased workloads are affecting patient care.
It is calling on the Welsh Government to increase investment in general practice, alongside measures to recruit and retain GPs, improve working conditions and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA's GP committee in Wales, said: "Practices still face significant challenges, but we have made progress, with a Senedd inquiry backing our concerns.
“Whilst it is vital to show the impact of the pressure, with this report we wanted to present the Welsh Government with an opportunity. Fund general practice fairly based on its delivery and watch the entire health service improve.
“General practice is the cornerstone of our health service; up to 90% of NHS care is provided here. With the right investment, policy decisions, and long-term vision, general practice can do more than meet demand. It can lead prevention, improve population health, reduce inequalities, support earlier diagnosis and treatment, and help build a more sustainable NHS for future generations.
The Welsh Government said: "We're committed to strengthening primary care as the foundation of the NHS in Wales. As part of our 100 day plan, health boards have been urged to shift more resources towards primary and community care, with a further Primary Care Summit planned to track their progress.
"We're also expanding digital access, increasing investment in primary care, and recruiting up to 100 additional GPs."