GP Allocation
General Medical Services
Following the introduction of the new General Medical Services contract
on 1st April 2004, there are 3 main streams of general practices funding: the global sum (to cover practice
running costs), quality rewards (Quality & Outcomes Framework) and enhanced service payments. Two
of these funding streams are introduced below. Additional streams are available for Information
Management & Technology, premises, dispensing and the Minimum Practice Income Guarantee (MPIG).
Global Sum Allocation Formula
A workload formula is used to allocate the global sum to general practices
on the basis of the practice population, weighted for factors that influence relative needs and costs.
Details can be found on the GP contract web pages at the link below:
Quality & Outcomes Framework
The Quality & Outcomes Framework measures general practice achievement
against a range of evidence-based indicators, with points and payments awarded according to the level
of achievement. The indicators span four domains: clinical, organisational, patient experience
and additional services. Detailed information on the Quality & Outcomes Framework and achievement
data can be found on the Quality & Outcomes Framework web pages. Also available are prevalence rates
for a variety of diseases and conditions at general practice level. Details can be found at the link
below.
Prescribing Resources
Prescribing resources are currently assigned to the HSC Board, who are
responsible for subsequent allocation of these resources to LCGs and GP Practices. These allocations
are made partly on the basis of a weighted capitation formula. Details of the formula can be found in
the reports below.
Review of the Northern Ireland Weighted Capitation Formula for Allocating
Primary Care Prescribing Resources
Statement on Confidentiality and Access
