£8.8 million to be invested in to GP services

By Q Radio News

GP leaders in Northern Ireland have welcomed the announcement of the new GMS contract for 2019/18, including an investment of £8.8million in GP services.

Details of the contact were outlined today today by the Northern Ireland Department of Health and it includes an extra £1million funding to cover increased indemnity costs, £1.8million towards patient number increases due to population growth, and £1.5millon for premises upgrades.

Dr Tom Black, Chair of BMA Northern Ireland’s general practitioners committee, told Q Radio News: “Any extra money in general practice is welcomed and this latest investment brings the total extra funding this year to £21.58million. 

“GPs will be particularly happy to see further investment towards demography increases as our population is now living longer and with more complex health needs. This is being felt acutely among working GPs as their numbers continue to dwindle across the country while patient numbers grow. 

“The environment for primary care is still an extremely challenging one, yet despite this GPs remain committed as ever to providing the best possible service and level of care for their patients in these circumstances.”

Dr.Tom Black  says this money is in addition to money pledged back in May, and is part of transforming the health system...