The Department of Health today published figures for Investment in General Practice, Northern Ireland 2015-16 to 2019-20.
This is the first time that investment in general practice, including the reimbursement for drugs dispensed in general practices in Northern Ireland, has been published by the Department of Health. Previously, country level information from all 4 UK countries was published by NHS Digital. However, changes to general practice contractual arrangements in each country over recent years mean the data are no longer comparable. As a result, the UK series has been discontinued. From 2020, each country will publish its own report.
Key Points:
In 2019-20, the total investment in general practice in Northern Ireland, including the reimbursement of drugs dispensed in general practice, was £326.507m. This represents an increase in the total investment in GP practices of 7.68 per cent in Northern Ireland. In real terms, this equates to an increase of 5.64 per cent. This increase includes: the response to the DDRB recommendation, which saw a 2.5% uplift applied to GP pay and practice staff expenses, with other expenses uplifted in line with inflation (representing an investment of £5.206m); an additional £500k investment into Global Sum Equivalent in recognition of additional pressures within general practice; and an increase in the value of a Quality and Outcomes Framework point.
Notes to editors:
- The report is published by the Department of Health (NI) via the Statistics Section of the website.
- This is the first year that this information has been published by the Department of Health. Results from previous years are available on the NHS Digital website at: digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/investment-in-general-practice
- The source of the data is the Financial Information Monitoring System (FIMS) held and maintained by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Pharmacy Payments System maintained by the Business Services Organisation (BSO).
- For statistical or data queries, please contact Information & Analysis Directorate on 02890 522700 or at qofdataenquiries@health-ni.gov.uk
- For policy queries, please contact General Medical Services Branch, Primary Care Directorate on 02890 520241 or at gmsenquiries@health-ni.gov.uk
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