GP contract will provide better service

I am writing in response to your rather alarmist article on the new GP contract (‘Warning Argyll could lose GPs in new contract’, The Oban Times, March 22), which contains some misunderstandings about the new arrangements and could cause patients unnecessary concern.

The new GP contract for Scotland is a historic step towards ensuring a sustainable future for general practice. The agreement to implement the new contract was a landmark decision for general practice in Scotland that will help to restore hope to the profession and encourage more doctors to choose careers as GPs.

The contract, which received strong support from the profession in a poll this year, was widely consulted on through a variety of methods, including roadshows (in 2015, 2016 and 2017), online Q&A sessions, webcasts and email communications.

It aims to reduce workload pressures and re-establish general practice as an attractive career choice, improving GP recruitment and retention. It also provides for an expanded multi-disciplinary team to work with GP practices where appropriate to provide direct access to services for patients, allowing GPs to concentrate on being expert medical generalists.

However, we recognise that all practices are not the same and that is why the new contract retains GP autonomy so practices can continue to deliver the services their communities need. The Remote and Rural Short Life Working Group is being set up to make recommendations on how the contract can best be implemented in remote and rural areas.

The public should be reassured that this will not have a negative impact on the care they receive from their GP practice, with practices continuing to employ practice teams as is currently the case. In reality, there will be little visible difference for patients; they will still have access to medical advice and services in their local practice, as and when required.

The additional funding attached to this contract is a significant investment and demonstrates the value placed on the role of general practice in the NHS in Scotland. The new contract offers income stability and reduced business risk to individuals.

It is important to stress no practice will lose funding as a result of this contract, as it has been designed to protect the funding of every practice in Scotland, while addressing the relative underfunding of practice workloads associated with elderly and deprived populations. It is also important to note this income guarantee is not time limited.

I believe this contract offers something to GP practices in every part of Scotland and will help to deliver a first-class primary care service for patients, ensuring a sustainable future for general practice in Scotland. Dr Alan McDevitt, Chairman,

BMA’s Scottish GP Committee.