May 22nd 2024
The number of health board-run (2c) GP practices in Scotland has increased in almost every health board area during the 10 years to 2022, according to the BMA.
This confirms figures presented to the Scottish parliament, stating that over the past 10 years, around 100 Scottish practices had closed, while others had handed back contracts.
BMA data also shows that most rural areas have also seen a reduction in numbers of whole-time equivalent GPs per patient.
Joining the ranks of 2c practices is former DDA member Benbecula Medical Practice in the Outer Hebrides.
In an article for the BMA, Benbecula GP Dr Kate Dawson said: “All across [the UK], practices are becoming 2c practices, and it’s not because they are failing. It’s because they’ve been failed. I’m annoyed that general practice has not been resourced in a way that allows it to survive with a GMS contract.”
Speaking to the BMA’s The Doctor magazine, Dr Dawson said that it’s been impossible to recruit new partners at her practice. She said: “I’d feel I was almost hoodwinking people to come into a financially unstable situation where we might be forced to hand back the contract anyway.”
Dr Dawson had intended to retire two years ago on her 60th birthday, but instead has applied to take up one of the salaried posts, to protect the transition.
Commenting, Alida MacGregor, RGPAS (Rural GP Association of Scotland) chair, said: “The biggest challenge is definitely the funding of rural general practice, and then recruitment of staff.
“We know that 2c practices are more expensive to run compared with GMS contract practices… often when a contract is handed back, there won’t be stable GPs, or enough GPs to be there."
Echoing her points, concerns have already been raised with the Welsh first minister about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board-run prescribing practice West End Medical Centre. MacGregor added: "Satisfaction for patients and practice staff reduces and turnover of practice staff becomes an issue, which further erodes the continuity.”
