BMA warns GP services in Wales face collapse without funding
Doctors have warned that general practice in Wales is at risk of collapse without proper funding.
Representatives from the British Medical Association’s Welsh GP Committee gave evidence today, Wednesday 17 September, at the Health and Social Committee’s inquiry into the future of general practice.
The inquiry was launched following the BMA’s Save Our Surgeries campaign, which is calling on the Welsh Government to provide a rescue package for general practice.
Dr Gareth Oelmann and Dr Ian Harris, Chair and Deputy Chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP Committee, told the inquiry that GPs across Wales are struggling with the impact of funding cuts, staff shortages and rising costs.
Concerns raised included the current funding formula, GP shortages, unemployment, the financial impact of higher national insurance contributions and the condition of some GP estates.
Dr Gareth Oelmann said: “We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the very real concerns of our members. It is essential for the public and politicians to understand the extreme pressures on general practice and the resulting challenges in accessing timely appointments.
“Colleagues consistently report financial challenges, including difficulties hiring additional GPs to meet increasing patient demand and uncertainty regarding the job security of practice staff.
“Today, we emphasised that without adequate funding for general practice, including a more equitable allocation of the NHS budget, general practice is at risk of collapse, which would subsequently impact the entire NHS.
“A recent BMA survey shows that 89% of GPs in Wales say they are unable to meet patient demand. With one hundred fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing burnout, with doctors forced to work less than full-time to survive.
“That is why we are seeking a fairer portion of the NHS budget, safeguards to protect patient and GP safety with a national maximum standard of patients per day, a workforce strategy to improve the retention and recruitment of GPs, and measures to address staff wellbeing.”
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