GP TechLead

The announcement by Wes Streeting to pump an extra £889 million a year into primary care is big news for GPs and patients alike. As a GP Partner, I can’t help but feel a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism about the whole thing. 

In a pivotal move that could reshape the landscape of primary care in the UK, Local Medical Committee (LMC) leaders are poised to vote on a highly contentious motion concerning the role of Physician Associates (PAs) in General Practitioner (GP) practices. The motion, which has sparked intense debate among healthcare professionals, seeks to "condemn" the utilization of PAs for any tasks beyond "administrative or simple procedural duties."

In a resounding vote of no confidence, GPs in England have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed contract changes for 2024/25. The British Medical Association (BMA) held a referendum, with a turnout of over 61% and a staggering 99.2% of participating GPs voting "no" to the contract. 

The recent unveiling of the revised GP contract by NHS England has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community, igniting a fierce debate. While some elements of the contract have garnered cautious acceptance, the British Medical Association's General Practitioners Committee (BMA GPC) has expressed strong disapproval of several key points, raising concerns about the potential impact on patient care, workload management, and the overall sustainability of primary care.