Wes Streeting is facing a backlash from “outraged” pharmacists after announcing proposals for next year’s GP contract.
The Health Secretary vowed to “bring back the family doctor”, reduce targets and cut red tape so GPs can spend more time with patients.
But he was criticised by the National Pharmacy Association for failing to start negotiations for the community pharmacy contract which ran out at the end of March.
NPA chief executive Paul Rees said: “It is an outrage that GP’s have been offered their contract for the next financial year before pharmacies have even received an offer for the current year – nine months late.
“The seemingly endless delays to this year’s contract negotiations only reinforces the belief that there is a lack of respect for pharmacies within government and leaves hardworking pharmacies abandoned in the dark, causing them stress and uncertainty about their future.”
Members of the NPA recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking collective action for the first time in their history.
Mr Rees added: “The government must get around the table as soon as is possible to end the crippling uncertainty and offer reassurance and security to pharmacies so they can serve their communities with confidence.”
The GP contact for 2025/26 is now out for consultation with the British Medical Association’s General Practice Committee to provide feedback.
The plan will incentivise GPs to ensure patients most in need – including the elderly and people with long-term or complex conditions – see the same doctor at every appointment.
Doctors who go above and beyond to prevent common killers like heart disease and encourage blood pressure checks will also be identified.
The number of targets for GPs will also be cut from 76 to 44. The proposal is backed by an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget for general practice.
Mr Streeting said: “General practice is buckling under the burden of bureaucracy, with GPs filling out forms instead of treating patients.
“It is clear the system is broken, which is why we are slashing red tape, binning outdated performance targets, and instead freeing doctors up to do their jobs. We promised to bring back the family doctor, but we want to be judged by results – not promises.”
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said it was vital that GPs are given extra resources to improve access for patients and prevent major killers.
She added: “General practice is the front door to the NHS – speaking to GPs and their teams, they are clear that embracing reform is key to improving patient experience and managing record demand.”
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said practices were “grappling with intense workload and workforce pressures – and on top of this…the financial burden imposed by the National Insurance hike in the Chancellor’s Budget”.
She added: “Today’s commitment by the Government to increase the share of the NHS budget for general practice is positive news for patients and the wider NHS.
“While we hope this package announced today will help stabilise general practice and provide some much-needed certainty for hard working GPs and our teams, there is a long road ahead.”
