GPs and all their staff in Wales are to get an across the board pay increase worth nearly three per cent, it has been announced.

All doctors and staff will get the 2.8% pay increase in the first deal of its kind between a national government and GP representatives. Overall, practices will get a 3.6% increase in general medical services funding per patient under the deal. Under the deal, the idea of giving practice staff access to NHS occupational health services is to be “explored.”

Dr Phil White, who chairs the British Medical Association Welsh GP committee, said: “The contractual arrangements for 2020-21 will see GPs and their staff rewarded for the exceptional efforts they have made during this extraordinary time, and demonstrates the value placed on the role of general practice in Wales.

“The changes that GPs have embedded during COVID-19 are recognised, and we have agreed to the introduction of a new quality improvement project related to COVID-19 learning building on work many practices and clusters have already started, with a focus on planning for urgent care. We have also agreed to undertake work to improve the patient journey by exploring integration between unscheduled care and practices, while preserving the clinical judgement of GPs.”

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said: “The offer agreed demonstrates my appreciation for the efforts of GPs and all staff working in practices. Their dedication and commitment during the COVID response has supported our communities across Wales. The new contract will now see us build on changes that have been made during the pandemic including the introduction of digital consultations and to embed new ways of working.”