GPs and their staff in Scotland are to have access to NHS occupational health services, it was announced yesterday.

The extension of free access to the service is expected to cost the Scottish government £920,000 a year.

The service gives staff access to physiotherapists as well as nurse practitioners and occupational health doctors.

The move is the latest by the Scottish government to try to improve working conditions in general practice.

Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: “This additional funding will mean that our GP practice staff will be able to benefit from more effective occupational health. I acknowledge that working in GP surgeries has its challenges and therefore it’s quite right that these valued members of the NHS family are able to take full advantage of these services.

“It will also help us to create a more sustainable workforce in the long-term.”

The chair of the British Medical Association Scottish GP committee, Dr Alan McDevitt, welcomed the move.

He said: “Measures that provide continued support to practices are very welcome and I am delighted that the Scottish Government has committed recurring funding to ensure that all our staff will have free access to the occupational health service.”