2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:22 pm on 27 November 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:22, 27 November 2018

Yes, the Member highlights a particular issue with the current system in which GPs are independent contractors. We are seeing a shift towards fewer, larger sized GP practices with a wider skill mix of health professionals providing a greater range of healthcare locally, and that's partly because of what the Member is pointing out there about the financial commitments and so on.

We do take over practices in some circumstances of a managed practice approach, particularly as the tendency to use locums attracting higher costs and so on plays out. So, he's right to highlight that. We're working closely with the British Medical Association and NHS Wales colleagues on a programme of contract reform to address how the contract operates, making it more sustainable for GPs whilst delivering against the actions. The number of GP practices is gradually reducing, and it is a trend. As part of those negotiations, we are looking to see what can be done to alleviate the circumstances that the Member highlights.