More funds needed for new formula.(General Medical Service global sum formula)

The revised GMS global sum may be fairer but problems will not be solved without more investment, says Nick Bostock.

After 18 months of work, a shiny new version of the Carr-Hill formula for England and Wales at least sits on the negotiating table.

The original formula was developed to a very tight deadline, but this time the long gestation period should mean that there has been time to iron out any flaws. For example, it no longer requires an additional 'off-formula' payment to London practices.

The revised formula is based on more robust data. Better measures of workload have been devised by weighting for deprivation, consultation length and home …