News » Political News, Scotland » Scotland acknowledges rural GPs' contract concerns
January 31st 2024
The Scottish Government has acknowledged rural practices’ GP contract concerns, a debate has heard.
In a meeting Edward Mountain (Con, Highlands and Islands) told the Scottish Parliament: “It is clear that the 2018 contract has not worked for rural practices.”
He also highlighted that NHS Highland has withdrawn funding for GP-enhanced services.
In response, Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson said that the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care, launched in October, would look at further action to support rural practice. This includes training for remote and rural dispensing practices and developing supervisory training hubs.
Commenting specifically on NHS Highland, Matheson added: “I would want to make sure that the board properly consults [with GPs] on the implementation of those changes.
Matheson also confirmed that multidisciplinary teams in primary care should be located as close to patients as possible.
