The Department of Health today published figures for Investment in General Practice, Northern Ireland 2018-19 to 2022-23.
This is the fourth 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.
Key Points
In 2022-23, the total investment in general practice in Northern Ireland, including the reimbursement of drugs dispensed in general practice, was £374.775m. Compared to 2021-22, this represents a decrease in the total investment in GP practices of 0.82 per cent in Northern Ireland. In real terms this equates to a decrease of 6.92 per cent.
In 2022-23, in response to the recommendation in the report of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB), a 4.5% uplift was applied for GP pay and practice staff expenses and a 3.0% uplift for other expenses. This represents an investment of £10.866m.
# NHS Digital legally merged with NHS England on 1st February 2023. All references to NHS Digital now, or in the future, relate to NHS England. NHS England has assumed responsibility for all activities previously undertaken by NHS Digital
Notes to editors:
- The report is published by the Department of Health (NI) via the Statistics Section of the website.
- The source of the data is the Financial Information Monitoring System (FIMS) held and maintained by the Strategic Planning & Performance Group (SPPG) of the DoH and the Pharmacy Payments System maintained by the Business Services Organisation (BSO).
- General practice played a key role in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020/21 and 2021/22. This is reflected in higher levels of investment during that period.
- 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 Primary Care Medical Services Branch, Primary Care Directorate on 02890 520241 or at gmsenquiries@health-ni.gov.uk
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