David Eyre Political Journalist, Politics Show Scotland

A new deal for family doctors in Scotland came a step closer this week, as MSPs voted to accept the Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill.

Scottish GPs earn the least

The bill will pave the way for Scottish GPs to get a new UK wide contract, giving them greater flexibility in their working hours and in the services they provide to patients.

Most people don't realise that GPs, known as 'Primary Care Provider' in health jargon, are not employed by the NHS.

They contract with the health service as independent employers and businesses.

In a recent ballot of GPs, nearly 80% voted in favour of the new contract.

As well as getting a guaranteed budget increase of 33% over the next three years, doctors will be given more choice over the services they provide.

Practices specialise?

Some practices may specialise in certain treatments. GPs will also be able to opt out of providing 24-hour cover for their patients, with responsibility for out-of-hours cover being handed over to local health boards.

The British Medical Association has given the deal a warm welcome.

The contract promises billions more for general practice

It says the new deal will cut down on bureaucracy and paperwork, allow GPs to manage their workload better and help them deal with the increasing demands placed on primary care, caused by the move to treat more people in the community rather than hospitals.

The BMA says the deal is much needed.

It points out that the profession is facing a 'recruitment crisis', with vacancies running at the highest levels for years.

Decline in GP numbers

The number of GPs in training is on the decrease, falling from 330 a year in 1990 to just 284 in 2002/03.

"We need to attract medical students into the family doctor sector", the BMA says, and the new contract will help do that.

But this week some MSPs expressed doubts about the contract.

The Scottish Socialist Party pointed out that GPs being independent from the NHS was part of a historic compromise dating back to when the health service was first set up.

It was a way to get sceptical doctors on side.

Socialist health spokesperson Carolyn Leckie says it's time to bring GPs fully into the NHS fold as employees rather than contractors.

She is worried that the new flexible working practices could mean cuts in services to patients.

Highland Lib Dems Jamie Stone and John Farquhar Munro are also concerned about the effect the new contract could have on out-of-hours services for their constituents.

Politics Show

This week The Politics Show Scotland looks at the new GP contract and asks whether it will help doctors and patients.

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