NHS England and the British Medical Association’s (BMA) GP committee have reached an agreement for general practice contract reform for the next five years with the aim of supporting the delivery of the NHS Long term plan.  They have jointly published a new framework for general practice over the next five years to 2023/24: Investment and evolution: A five year framework for GP contract reform to implement The NHS Long Term Plan. This briefing summarises the changes set out in the contract, and explores the potential implications for trusts and their local partnerships with primary care.

The contract introduces a range of changes aimed at addressing workforce pressures, supporting integration and joined up care, and facilitating efficient use of resources in general practice, as well as changes to the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) and the introduction of a new state-backed indemnity scheme. The changes are supported by a guarantee of investment of £4.5bn a year for community services and primary care, to implement the ‘triple integration’ of primary and specialist care, physical and mental health services, and health and social care.