Extra funds for GPs are helping save lives, claim Scots doctors

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 21:40

PATIENTS with serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are getting better care thanks to a system to reward GP practices, doctors claim.

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) was introduced with the new GP contract in 2004, awarding extra funding for running additional services, such as checks on patients with long-term conditions.

Yesterday, the British Medical Association Scotland (BMA) said the system had helped reduce hospital admissions and save lives.

It comes as the organisation launches a report today making recommendations for the future of general practice in Scotland.

Yesterday, The Scotsman revealed the report will highlight concerns about the ability of the NHS to cope with rising demand for care outside normal hours.

In a briefing document, the BMA highlighted that QOF was helping to reduce inequalities, ensuring patients get consistent care no matter where they live.

The report also said the system had been shown to reduce hospital admissions for patients with asthma and improve the management of diabetes.

Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the BMA's Scottish GPs committee, said: "GPs are working hard to save lives by targeting diseases that kill such as heart disease, cancer and kidney disease. They are also improving the quality of life of patients with illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, depression and dementia."

This week BMA Scotland is marking General Practice Week to raise awareness of the service provided by primary care workers.

Yesterday, the Scottish Government announced that patients' experiences of the NHS were to be used to measure the quality of care in the service for the first time.

The strategy would "give the people of Scotland a new confidence in their NHS", said health secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Information from people about their experience of the NHS will be used to drive up standards.