GPs’ pay rise will be linked to treatment of patients most in need

The government and the BMA have agreed a package of changes to the GP contract for 2009-10 that they say will better match doctors’ pay to their ability to meet the health needs of their local communities, especially people with the poorest health.

The changes will apply to the general medical services contract in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Department of Health; BMA; and NHS Employers, which represents trusts in England, will submit evidence on the pay rise that GPs should get for 2009-10 to the doctors’ and dentists’ review body (DDRB), which will report its decision next year.

The changes to the contract are designed to reduce …