Government Response: The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Technical Scrutiny point 1:                                 The Welsh Government has noted this and confirms that the application should be the same as that found in the 2023 Regulations. The Welsh Government further acknowledges that application provisions are not usually included in an amending instrument.

Nevertheless, the Welsh Government does not consider the difference materially affects the operation of the provision as the scope of the application is clear in the 2023 Regulations.

Technical Scrutiny point 2:                                 The Welsh Government has noted this. However, do not consider the difference materially affects the operation of the provision as it is clear what the amendment is referring to, and what is meant by “sub-paragraph (d)”.

Technical Scrutiny point 3:                                 The Welsh Government confirms that in the new paragraph 7A that is inserted in Schedule 2, the reference to “the patient’s personal health record”, is to have the same meaning applied to, “a patient’s record”, as defined by paragraph 8 of Schedule 2.

The Welsh Government does not consider the difference materially affects the operation of the provision. However, notes this can be considered for amendment when the Regulations are next amended. This is presently anticipated to occur in 2026, once work on how some of the outcomes from the recent negotiations with the profession are to be implemented has been completed.

Technical Scrutiny point 4:                                 The Welsh Government has noted this. However, do not consider the difference materially affects the operation of the provision as it is clear what the amendment is referring to, and what is meant by “sub-paragraph (a) and paragraph 2”.

Technical Scrutiny point 5:                                 The Welsh Government confirms that the intention is that this provision is a legal obligation, to ensure a Local Health Board must determine and assess whether a formal face to face review is necessary.

The Welsh Government has noted this and confirms that this can be considered for amendment when the Regulations are next amended. This is presently anticipated to occur in 2026, once work on how some of the outcomes from the recent negotiations with the profession are to be implemented has been completed.