Welsh Government suspends QOF
The majority of the QOF (quality and outcomes framework) for GPs has been suspended by the Welsh Government to ease the winter burden on surgeries.
The agreement secured by BMA Cymru Wales will see practices paid for all QOF indicators, based on last year’s achievement, until the end of March.
The only exceptions are flu vaccinations and working in clusters, while GPs will be able to opt in to indicators if they want to improve them.
BMA Welsh GPs committee chair Charlotte Jones said: 'This welcome move will have a positive effect on practices by reducing bureaucracy and box ticking, as well as releasing capacity which will enable GPs and practice nurses to focus on the complex care needs of their patients at a particularly busy time.
'We are committed to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to continue improving working conditions for GPs in Wales, and this agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration on an agreed vision.
The Welsh Government said the move will create more capacity for GPs and practice nurses to manage their most vulnerable and chronically sick patients during the winter period.
Health secretary Vaughan Gething AM said: 'The positive action we’ve taken today will help ease pressure on primary care. I’d like to thank GP and practice nurses across Wales for their hard work and commitment to their patients during this busy winter period.
'Instead of patients being called in for routine appointments automatically at the busiest time of the year, doctor and practice nurse’s time will be freed up to see patients, prioritising those urgently requesting appointments because they are ill.
'Both BMA Wales and the Welsh Government remain committed to working positively and collaboratively to improve access to services. No GP practice will lose out financially as a result of QOF relaxation.’
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