GP Retainer Scheme

The GP Retainer Scheme is intended as short term support for GPs who have family commitments or health problems which restrict them from working in General Practice in the usual way as partners or salaried GPs. This scheme offers flexibility and educational support.

An overview of the GP Retainer Scheme in Wales

To be considered for the scheme, a retainer must be eligible to work unrestricted in general practice. In 2006 it was felt that the criteria for entrance to and continuance on the scheme should be reviewed in order to maximise the benefit from it.
To be eligible, a Retainer should have well founded personal reasons which prevent them from taking on a substantive role, and should intend to return to practice in a principal or sessional capacity.

A GP Retainer would work no more than 4 sessions per week as a Retainee. At the discretion of the Deanery, one or two extra sessions over and above the 4 retainer sessions may be used for other work relevant to general practice, such as family planning or an Appraiser role.

With the agreement of the LHB, which contributes towards the cost of the Retained doctor, a GP Retainer would be employed by the practice using the BMA model contract for retainers. This is based on the BMA model contract for sessional GPs. This gives guidance on such matters as the annual pay review for retainers, the amount of holiday and CPD time recommended and the length of the session to be worked by the retainer.

The length of time on the scheme is normally 5 years, when the doctor would be asked to
make a case for continuing on the scheme.

We currently have approximately 50 Retainers on the scheme and they are based in practices all over Wales. GP Retainers are currently entitled to claim £310 per annum in support for paying fees i.e. Medical Defence Fees.

For more information regarding the scheme please visit the NHS Wales Appraisal wesbite

For more information please contact: GPRetainer@cf.ac.uk