Minister for Health, Vaughan Gething recently announced that all physicians, nurses and staff working within GP practices in Wales are eligible for a 2.8 per cent pay rise.
Wales becomes the first nation to do so after a new agreement with GP committee Wales. Earlier, individual practice employers were in charge of staff pay hikes.
Under the new agreement for General Medical Services, funding per patient is set to increase from £91.77 to £95.07, which is greater than that offered in England.
Minster Gething, said: "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." He acknowledged the efforts of GPs and practice staff and appreciated their dedication and commitment during the COVID-19 response.
Echoing Minister Gething's views, Dr Phil White, Chair of the BMA’s 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."
Judith Paget, Chief Executive, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, added that keeping the pay rise of practice staff at par with GPs was commendable.
