New contract could be curative for GPs

The new contract unveiled by the Scottish Government appears to be a step in the right direction in returning GP practices to the level demanded by patients.

Reducing the paperwork demands currently borne by doctors and making better use of other staff such as practice nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals is an obvious step to take.

One of the most commonly-heard demands of patients is that they are not given enough time with their family doctor during hard-to-get appointments.

It is a vital step if the trust between patient and health service is to properly recover.

Equally, general practice must be made an attractive career for young doctors again.

Making salary levels equitable and cutting some of the risk involved in taking on a practice partnership are vital if that goal is to be achieved.

The contract has been backed by the British Medical Association and has been cautiously welcomed by the Government’s political opponents.

It is not a panacea for all the ills of general practice, however.

More work is needed to ensure patients no longer have to endure a phone lottery or queue outside while sick to secure an appointment and that desperate staff shortages become a thing of the past.