The new chair of the BMA’s GP Committee in Wales has got some serious issues to tackle in a part of the UK where GP shortages are being felt most acutely.
Prior to taking up his new post this summer, Dr Phil White was part of the BMA negotiating committee that thrashed out the Wales GP contract, backed by a £25m increase in funding – which he believes will make it ‘a more attractive country to work in’.
He also helped to lobby for an increase in the number of GP trainees – which prompted the Government to boost training places by 18% from this autumn.
The introduction of a state-backed indemnity scheme in Wales – similar to that in England – this year led to some ‘unforeseen issues’ that the negotiating team helped to resolve.
At one point the Welsh Government wanted to slash the global sum by £11m – or £2.88 per patient – to pay for the scheme. But following negotiations it was later confirmed that practices would see a £3.25 increase in funding per patient as part of the new contract for 2019/20.
Significant ongoing work includes helping to develop a new national service for patients with gender identity healthcare needs, in which the BMA hopes to establish a funded network of interested GPs across Wales.
Why influential: At the forefront of the fight to improve working conditions for GPs in Wales
What he says: ‘I am often described by those who know me as stubborn. I’m sure this trait will aid me in my work with GPC Wales going forward.’
Random fact: Says he is the slowest loose head prop to ever play for Manchester Medics rugby team, which he did for four years.
