GPs TO BE PAID FOR EMERGENCY CARE

12.02.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 8th Dec 2004

Senior representatives from the NHS and BMA have agreed to look into the case for paying GPs who participate in on-site emergency care following accidents.

David Rendel MP pressed the case at a Parliamentary meeting with Mr Chris Town, Chair of the NHS Employers Negotiating Team, and Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chair of the BMA's GPs Committee. Both agreed with Mr Rendel that there was a case, and that the Ambulance Trust would probably be the most appropriate payment authority. They promised to take the issue back to their respective organisations to sort out how the payments should be made.

Commenting after the meeting Mr Rendel said:

"There is a good case for paying GPs for their vital work at accident sites, alongside other medical and emergency services staff. I am delighted that the relevant authorities have now promised to get it sorted out."

ENDS