Written question WQ94747

GPs are independent contractors who contract for the provision of GMS services; they are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running and financial management of their businesses. Health boards are responsible for the planning and delivery of primary medical services to their populations; they can also provide a range of support to contractors, including commissioning replacement support in the event of practice closure.

As is the trend across the UK, in Wales there is a move towards larger GP practices, with a wider mix of professionals in one setting, providing a greater range of services. In recent years, due to increased energy costs and high inflation, some GP partners have consolidated their services to reduce costs, which has led to closures. Alongside this, a number of younger GPs are choosing to take on salaried positions, instead of becoming partners.

However, the number of GPs in Wales has remained steady over recent years, with an increase in wider practice staff, directly supporting improved access to care.

Over the past three years, Welsh Government have made significant investment into general practice as part of a wider contract reform programme, including £20m last year. Funding for general practice is subject to tripartite negotiations between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GPC Wales as the GP professional body. Negotiations for 2024-25 are currently ongoing.

The Train Work Live marketing campaign has worked to deliver a significant increase in the take-up of GP training places in Wales. Financial incentives are also offered to attract GP trainees to specialty training schemes in Mid, North and West Wales in areas which it has been historically difficult to recruit.