BMA agrees GP contract changes in Northern Ireland

Dr Alan Stout/ BMA

By Sarah Lowden

The British medical Association has agreed changes to the 2024/25 general medical services (GMS) contract with the department of health in Northern Ireland.

The BMA said it had successfully negotiated in simplifying the contract, ensuring a fair uplift, and in making significant progress on indemnity.

The changes include replacing the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) with a Clinical Care Domain in the NI Contract Assurance Document (NICAF), with the associated funding incorporated into the ‘core’ GMS contract.

“Stabilising GP services is of crucial importance and I believe this contract is a step forward in that regard. There is, of course, much more work to be done,” said health minister Robin Swann.

He added that it had not been possible to make a “substantial increase in the overall value of the contract”.

The final contract - which became effective from 1 April - was agreed on Tuesday with nearly £40 million of QOF funding and enhanced services money moving into core practice funding.