BMA to Tackle the Crisis in General Practice

The British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee has introduced a comprehensive plan to address challenges in general practice through increased funding and contract reforms—here’s how practice managers have responded

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Practice Index

The General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the British Medical Association (BMA) has proposed a vision to tackle the ongoing crisis in general practice. The “Patients First” initiative calls for urgent reforms to secure increased funding and restructure GP contracts to ensure long-term viability and stability.

Currently, general practices receive £112.50 per patient each year, but the BMA is advocating for this to rise to £152.50 by 2025. For practice managers, this increase in funding could offer a potential lifeline, providing relief from the financial pressures many practices face. Additional funding could support the recruitment of much-needed staff, helping to alleviate overwhelming workloads and improve overall operations.

A Lifeline For Practices

The proposal to increase funding is designed to attract and retain more GPs, while also strengthening support staff, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Practice managers consulted were largely supportive of the recommendations, believing they addressed the major challenges facing practices. There was also widespread approval for the proposal to modify the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), allowing for ring-fenced funding for practice nurses, which would help practices hire more essential staff.

Doubts Around Delivery

Despite the optimism, there is scepticism about whether the government could deliver on these promises. Some managers are doubtful that the changes will proceed as smoothly as the BMA anticipates. The complexities of negotiating GP contracts with the NHS and the government could lead to delays or cause reforms to become bogged down in administrative hurdles.

The BMA’s vision offers a potential solution to the crisis in general practice. For practice managers, the promise of increased funding and support brings a sense of hope. However, after past disappointments with similar promises, it remains uncertain whether these reforms will ultimately be realised.