NI Health Dept and GPs Agree New Contract to Improve Appointment Access

General practitioners in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health have agreed to a 2026/27 General Medical Services Contract valued at a further £17.384m, ending a 12-month dispute, according to the Department of Health.

The deal includes £13.3m of recurrent funding into core GP services, according to the department. Robbie Butler said the agreement will make it easier for patients to secure appointments.

Health Department Allocates £40m to Improve Patient Access

The Department of Health announced an additional £40m across two years to improve patient access and primary care activity. Minister Butler stated that the financial package aims to deliver more appointments and services for people who need them.

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.

Robbie Butler, Health Minister

Last year, GP partners voted in favour of taking collective action over funding. The previous minister, Mike Nesbitt, imposed a disputed financial package in May 2025 after a deal was rejected.

That imposition led to a work-to-rule protest. Doctors ignored non-essential paperwork, limited appointments to a British Medical Association recommended safe limit of 25 per day, and withdrew non-contractual services.

Resolving the Dispute

Butler welcomed the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee’s commitment to rebuild a working relationship with the department and end the collective action. He also expressed satisfaction that the NIGPC will take part in the Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing, which establishes a neighbourhood-centred system for health and social care.

However, BBC News NI health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly reported that acquiring more doctors requires long-term investment that falls short of general practice demands. GPs recently told Stormont’s Health Committee that general practice received less than 6 percent of the total health budget.

Dr Frances O’Hagan stated that the allocation is insufficient to fund the required number of doctors per practice. While O’Hagan noted that 10 percent of the budget is the minimum acceptable level, a longer-term ambition targets 15 percent, equating to roughly £80m per year compared to the £20m allocated by the minister.