A BMA petition calling on the Welsh Government to put in place ‘fair and adequate resourcing’ of general practice in Wales has now gathered enough support for it to be considered for a debate in the Senedd.
The BMA Cymru Wales petition has received 10,139 signatures – and support is still growing steadily. More than 10,000 signatures are needed before the Petitions Committee will consider any petition for debate in the Senedd.
As part of its Save our Surgeries campaign launched in the summer, the BMA’s GP Committee Wales warned in a report that the profession is in crisis and that eight in 10 GPs feel they cannot provide quality safe care because of their excessive workloads, diminishing workforce, and rising demands.
The report also said since 2013 at least 91 GP surgeries in Wales have closed.
The petition says: ‘General practice in Wales is under significant and growing strain. GP numbers are declining, demand is rising, and practices are struggling to recruit and retain staff.
‘General practice is being forced to try and cope with inadequate resources, an unsustainable workload, and a workforce under pressure across the whole of Wales, with some areas in crisis.’
The petition calls on the Welsh Government to ease the ‘chronic underfunding’ of primary care and ‘commit to a rescue package for general practice, to provide GPs and their patients with the support they need’.
It is open until 2 February 2024.
