GPs may find out what is in store for the 2018/19 contract later this week, as BMA England’s GP Committee is meeting to discuss proposals.
The news, announced by the GPC Executive at Friday’s LMCs Conference, comes as NHS staff – excluding doctors and dentists – were offered a proposal for a pay rise this weekend.
Under the proposal, nurses and other NHS staff could get a pay rise of 6.5% over three years, but only if they give up one day of holiday in return.
This would include a pay rise of 3% in 2018/19, followed by rises of 1-2% in 2019/20 and 2020/21, it was reported.
Meanwhile, GPs will likely have to wait months to find out about a potential pay increase, as GPC is holding out for the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body to make a recommendation.
The GPC has asked the DDRB for GPs to receive a pay uplift of 2% (or £800, whichever is higher) plus the rate of the Retail Price Index (RPI, which currently stands at 4%).
Meanwhile, Pulse has learned that the GP contract proposal, negotiated by the GPC Executive, has few changes compared with the current contract.
This includes no changes to QOF, no new enhanced services and another £30m to cover indemnity increases.
And, despite the launch of CCG-commissioned seven-day access hubs across England from April, the Extended Hours DES is due to continue.
Asked at Friday’s LMCs Conference when the 2018/19 GP contract – due to kick into force in mere weeks – will be announced, Dr Vautrey apologised for the late-running of negotiations.
He added that there would be ‘a special meeting’ of GPC England on Thursday, after which hopefully more could be revealed.
Dr Vautrey told the conference that this comes as the Government has made ‘enough excuses’ when it comes to properly funding general practice.
The LMCs Conference also saw local GP leaders pass a vote of no confidence in the GMC, and a motion for GPs to stop written reflections temporarily in light of the Bawa-Garba legal case.
