Health · 17 hrs ago
New Northern Ireland GP contract adds £40m over two years
Northern Ireland’s Department of Health and GP representatives agreed a new contract for general practice.
The department says it will provide an extra £40m over two years to improve patient access and primary care services.
The agreement also includes £13.3m in recurring funding for core GP services during 2026/27.
The deal follows a dispute that began after GPs rejected a funding package in 2025 and took collective action, including limiting appointments.
Health Minister Robbie Butler said the funding must lead to more appointments and services for patients.
GP representatives have committed to end the collective action and take part in a neighbourhood-based health and social care plan.
Some GPs have said the funding falls short of what is needed, and further negotiations could begin if required.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Health will provide an additional £40m over two years under a new GP contract.
The funding is intended to improve patient access and primary care activity.
Health Minister Robbie Butler said the package must deliver more appointments and services.
The agreement includes £17.384m in additional funding for the 2026/27 General Medical Services Contract, including £13.3m in recurrent funding for core GP services.
The deal follows a dispute over funding and collective action by GP partners.
- Who
- Northern Ireland’s Department of Health and the NI General Practitioners Committee agreed the contract. Health Minister Robbie Butler welcomed the deal.
- What
- A new GP contract adds £40m over two years to improve patient access and primary care activity.
- When
- Announced on 9 November 2026. The contract covers 2026/27.
- Where
- Northern Ireland.
- Why
- The funding is intended to improve access to appointments and primary care services. The agreement also follows a dispute and collective action by GPs.
Northern Ireland Department of Health
Northern Ireland GPs
Funding package
Northern Ireland Department of Health
The department said the additional £40m over two years will support improved patient access and primary care activity.
Northern Ireland GPs
GPs have said the announced funding falls short of what is needed.
Scale of funding
Northern Ireland Department of Health
The department’s package includes £20m a year.
Northern Ireland GPs
Dr Frances O’Hagan said GPs needed at least 10% of the health budget, with 15% a longer-term ambition.
Former Health Minister Mike Nesbitt imposed a financial package after Northern Ireland GPs rejected the deal.
GPs began work to rule, including limiting appointments to the BMA-recommended safe limit of 25 per day and withdrawing non-contractual services.
The Department of Health announced the new contract, worth an additional £40m over two years.
- Additional funding
- £40m over two years
- Annual allocation
- £20m
- 2026/27 contract value
- £17.384m in additional funding
- Recurrent core GP funding
- £13.3m
- GP appointment limit during work to rule
- 25 per day
What people are saying
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.
commitment to rebuild a constructive working relationship with the department and to end the current collective action
10% of the health budget was the minimum they could accept - 15% was a longer term ambition.