DAUK notes today’s overwhelming vote by the GPCE to reject the Government’s imposed 2026/27 GP contract and to open an emergency referendum of the profession.
The referendum for BMA GP and GP registrar members will run from midday on Wednesday 4 March to 12pm on Wednesday 25 March.
It will ask whether members accept the contract, or want the Government to return to direct talks with the GPCE to develop a deal that ‘restores the viability of partnerships, provides fair remuneration for all GPs, and implements workload safeguards to keep GPs and patients safe’.
Dr Steve Taylor, DAUK GP co-lead, said: “The new imposed GP contract is extremely poor.
“It is no surprise that it has been rejected in principle by the BMA General Practice Committee.
“The real problem is for patients with loss of options for referral, very poor funding will reduce their ability to see GPs despite the headlines.
“The headline of £485m extra is only just over inflation and will not fix the problem for patients.
“The Health Secretary says he is ‘fixing the front door’ but patients need GPs not doors.
“It is vital that patients understand that this rejection is about protecting patient care.”
GPC England chair Dr Katie Bramall said: “GPs are in despair, uncertain how on Earth they can achieve the Government’s unrealistic expectations and fear this contract will drive away more experienced GPs increasing the risk of further practice closures.”
Meanwhile, the BMJ has reported on Dr Taylor comments that the increase in general practice funding ‘merely tinkers around the edges of what’s needed’.
And Medscape has reported on Dr Taylor’s comments that financial incentives linked to prescribing weight-loss drugs, are ‘a smokescreen’ for an ‘appalling’ new contract.
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