The BMA’s Scottish GP Committee has just reached agreement with the Scottish Government on what will be the final year of national arrangements for GP involvement in delivering the influenza vaccine programme before regulation change later this year to remove these Directed Enhanced Services from the GP contract.
GP practices are no longer the preferred delivery model for vaccinations as we seek to deliver one of the GMS contract aims to free up GP time for more appropriate clinical activity. Responsibility for the programme now rests with health boards – some of whom we expect will deliver the service without relying on GP practices. However, other areas still have a way to go and will look for a contribution from practices in exchange for maintaining full vaccination income. The GP contribution in all areas should be less than last year as Boards continue to progress towards full delivery.
The temporary enhanced service provides a backstop national arrangement for areas where this is helpful but also encourages and enables Health Boards to agree local arrangements with the LMC that the reflect the particular circumstances.
Dr Andrew Buist, chair SGPC
Photo credit: Gordon Terris, Herald & Times Group
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