The GPC is to push for major investment in GP premises as a key plank of this year's contract negotiations.
Pulse revealed in March that GP negotiators had held talks with ministers about the most comprehensive reviewof GP premises funding since the introduction of the nGMS contract, amid concerns that without urgent action surgeries will be ill equipped to meet current challenges – including the huge transfer of work from secondary care.
The GPC discussed the issue yesterday at its council meeting in Edinburgh, and is to hold fresh talks with the Government within weeks as it seeks to secure funding for a major upgrade of GP premises.
Speaking after the meeting, GPC chair Dr Laurence Buckman said GP surgeries and equipment were in dire need of upgrades. He added the GPC had agreed to work alongside NHS Employers on the plans, with negotiations with the Government due to begin in a few weeks' time.
NHS Employers declined to comment, except to say that a number of discussions are ongoing with the GPC.
Dr Buckman said: ‘[The GPC] agreed to work with NHS Employers on premises as there appears to be a willingness expressed on the other side. This is the key point we will bring to the Government for discussion. Primary care premises have not been updated for a very long time. We want to talk to the Government about how we will take them into the 21st century. This is likely to be a very long and very complex discussion.'
