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A newly agreed contract with GPs, backed by an additional £40m over two years, will ultimately make it easier for patients to get medical appointments, Health Minister Robbie Butler has said. The Minister welcomed the successful conclusion of contract negotiations between the Department of Health and the NI General Practitioners Committee and praised the GP representatives for their constructive engagement throughout the process.
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The total in-year value for the 2026/27 General Medical Services Contract agreed with NIGPC is a further £17.384 million, including £13.3 million of recurrent funding into core GP services. The Department has also committed to making an additional £40m available, at £20m a year for two years. This will cover agreed measurable improvements in patient access and primary care activity.
Health Minister Robbie Butler said: “The new contract and additional investment of £20m in each of the next two years is a clear signal of my commitment to General Practice - and to improving access for patients.
“Difficulties getting an appointment with their GP is one of the issues people raise with me the most, which is why during negotiations I have been very clear that the financial package must deliver more appointments and services for people who need them.”
The Minister said he was pleased that the NIGPC had committed to making it easier for patients to access General Practice and to take part in the Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing.
“This is great news because the neighbourhood model brings services together, strengthens care in the community and designs the system around the people who use it,” he said.
Mr Butler also welcomed a commitment from the NIGPC to rebuild a constructive working relationship with the Department and to end the current collective action.
“My officials will work with NIGPC on how best to use the extra funding to sustain General Practice, including its role in the Neighbourhood Health Model,” the Minister added.
