Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has reiterated her call for the Health Minister to "get round the table" with General Practitioners (GPs) to ensure the continued delivery of services for the public.

Her plea comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) outlined the collective action that GPs across Northern Ireland will begin taking this week. This action is a direct response to the Department of Health's decision to impose a funding settlement, despite GPs overwhelmingly voting against it.

"It is unfortunate we have reached the stage where GPs feel they have no choice but to take unprecedented collective action as outlined today," said North Belfast MLA Ms McAllister. “However, this move does not come as a surprise. GPs have repeatedly made it clear the funding settlement from the Department of Health is not enough to fund a safe and sustainable service for patients. Despite this, the Health Minister has imposed the insufficient funding package."

Ms McAllister highlighted the significant disparity between what GPs stated was needed and what was provided: "Despite making it clear that an additional £39 per patient was required to sustain GP services, the imposed package allocates just 50p – the reality is GPs cannot give what they don’t have." The BMA had reportedly sought an additional £80 million in core funding for general practice, receiving only £1 million tied to unagreed access changes, and an additional £5 million for indemnity costs which GPs argue is insufficient and restricted.

"I am once again urging the Health Minister to immediately get round the table with GPs and resolve this ongoing crisis, to help give GP practices the ability to see more patients. Otherwise, those who will suffer the most are the people of Northern Ireland," Ms McAllister concluded.

GPs in Northern Ireland voted by a 98.7% majority for collective action in a BMA referendum, following the rejection of the 2025/26 General Medical Services (GMS) contract offer. The collective action will see GPs withdrawing some non-funded and non-contractual services, aiming to highlight the pressures on general practice and advocate for increased funding and sustainable solutions.