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The demand for a renegotiation of this year’s pay deal from the head of the British Medical Associations (BMA) General Practice Committee, Dr. Frances O’Hagan, has put pressure on Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. Dr. O’Hagan expressed the urgent need for a meeting with Nesbitt to secure a funding agreement; otherwise, general practitioners may have to reduce the services they offer. The call for action comes after nearly 80% of BMA member GP partners participated in a vote, with an overwhelming 98.7% in favor of taking action following Nesbitt’s imposition of a controversial financial package that had been previously rejected by GPs.
In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday Politics program, Dr. Frances O’Hagan emphasized the importance of reopening discussions on this year’s pay deal instead of focusing solely on next year’s contract. O’Hagan stressed the need for Nesbitt to return to the negotiating table to avoid potential service reductions by GPs. If an agreement is not reached, GPs may limit the services they provide to patients, focusing strictly on their contractual obligations. O’Hagan outlined specific services that GPs may forego, including heart screenings through ECGs, hospital blood collections, and follow-up investigations.
The BMA’s GP committee has requested an additional £39 per patient per year to enhance services, highlighting the disparity between their proposal and the offered 50 pence per patient per year. Dr. O’Hagan expressed concerns that such a minimal increase would not significantly improve patient access to healthcare services. With over 200,000 patients seen weekly in Northern Ireland, the current system’s limitations must be addressed to meet the increasing demand for appointments and ensure adequate healthcare access.
In response to the BMA’s proposed collective actions, the Department of Health (DoH) emphasized the importance of respecting contractual obligations, protecting patient safety, and maintaining service access. The DoH acknowledged the strain on the primary care system and recognized the efforts of GPs and their teams in meeting patient needs. Despite offering an additional £9.5 million in the 2025/26 General Medical Services (GMS) contract, the department expressed regret over the inability to reach an agreement. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in discussions to secure the future of general practice in Northern Ireland
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