GPs in Wales are to have a pay increase of 4% this year, it was announced today. The award, back-dated to April, reflects the growing competition for GPs across the UK. The Welsh government has also out-flanked the English NHS by offering improved pay rises for hospital staff. All salaried doctors will receive pay increases…

More than 40,000 patients in Wales have had to find new practices in the last five years before of closures, it was reported today. According to a BBC investigation, 17 main surgeries and 28 branch surgeries have closed in the country since 2013. Closures peaked last year when six main surgeries and seven branch surgeries…

Discharge of patients in Wales is hampered by poor communication with practices, according to an inquiry into the issues. Ward staff do not understand discharge policies and processes – and they also do not understand what information to share with practices, according to the country’s Health Inspectorate. The findings were welcomed by the Royal College…

Patient satisfaction with general practice services has fallen sharply in Wales, according to a new survey. GP leaders said the findings reflected shortages in the workforce and lack of funding for the service. In the national survey, some 42% said they found it difficult to make a convenient appointment with a practice – an increase…

By PM Polly (Time to read: 3 minutes) So last week, over 400 practices in Wales faced the deadline of choosing their new clinical system. Half of those practices currently use EMIS, however, EMIS lost preferred vendor status in Wales so half of the practices in Wales having just dragged themselves through the last migration…

An extra £11 million is to be put into general practice in Wales next year as part of a contract deal delivering a 1% pay increase. Practices are also being allowed a 1.4% increase for general expenses as part of the deal. And it includes some £2.7 million towards the costs of general indemnity. As…

Some £100 million is to be spent in Wales on “transforming” health and social services, it has been announced. The Welsh government promised “bold and innovative” ways of delivering services. Its new fund will focus on primary care and the development of care close to homes. Welsh health secretary Vaughan Gething said: “This additional funding…