Welsh GPs are calling for a higher percentage of the NHS budget to strengthen general practice and restore the nation’s health service.

The British Medical Association (BMA) launched its third ‘Save Our Surgeries’ report on September 23, outlining a positive vision for NHS Wales.

The report demonstrates that sustained meaningful, investment in general practice to address years of financial cuts, will significantly benefit the entire health service.

The report highlights how existing pressures caused by years of underinvestment and the subsequent closure of 106 practices since 2012 have resulted in an increase of 31 per cent more patients per full-time GP.

Currently, 368 surgeries serve a population of 3.3 million people with only 1,485 full-time GPs and just 6 per cent of the entire NHS budget. Practices face unprecedented pressure, as a recent BMA survey confirmed, highlighting the impact on patients and staff.

Financial pressures are forcing practices to make difficult decisions, with 62 per cent reporting that GP partners have had to take on additional work themselves, while 63 per cent of GPs say increased workload is impacting patient care.

Practices have also had to make cuts to survive, with 43 per cent of GPs imposing recruitment freezes, and 23 per cent reducing services including minor surgery and shared care.

Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s GP committee in Wales (GPC Wales), said: “In 2023, we launched our Save Our Surgeries campaign to highlight how long-term underinvestment had left general practice on the brink of collapse.

“Practices still face significant challenges, but we have made progress, with a Senedd inquiry backing our concerns.

“Whilst it is vital to show the impact of the pressure, with this report we wanted to present the Welsh Government with an opportunity. Fund general practice fairly based on its delivery and watch the entire health service improve.

“General practice is the cornerstone of our health service; up to 90 per cent of NHS care is provided here. With the right investment, policy decisions, and long-term vision, general practice can do more than meet demand. It can lead prevention, improve population health, reduce inequalities, support earlier diagnosis and treatment, and help build a more sustainable NHS for future generations.

“Our message to policymakers is simple: if we want an NHS that is fit for the future, we must start by securing its front door,” he added.

The report presents a practical plan for sustainable general practice, and calls on the Welsh Government to:

• Restore investment in general practice by increasing the proportion of NHS Wales funding spent on General Medical Services.

• Develop and support a sustainable GP workforce through recruitment, retention and training.

• Introduce national standards for safe working and manageable workloads.

• Support and strengthen the GP partnership model while reducing unnecessary risk and bureaucracy.

• Ensure reform programmes, including Community by Design, are matched with sufficient investment and capacity.

• Improve support for GP wellbeing and safe working conditions across Wales.

• Reform funding and support arrangements for dispensing practices.