A general practice project in Scotland could see team members taking on radical new roles, it was announced yesterday.

At least 15 practices in the Inverclyde area are taking part in the project, backed by the Scottish government and the British Medical Association.

Under the scheme, many patients will be diverted from GPs to other clinicians such as nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals.

Developers say GPs will then only see those who need their clinical skills.

Dr Alan McDevitt, chair of the BMA Scottish GP committee, said: “Improving access for patients to a wider group of health professionals should also mean that it is easier to see a GP when necessary.

“We are looking to implement measures that will ensure the sustainability of general practice, reduce the workload burden on GPs and allow them to use their skills to improve outcomes for patients.”

Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: “The essence of this work is to modernise the role of the GP – making them a senior clinical decision maker in the community, working with a wide range of health professionals in a team to deliver appropriate care to patients.

“We also want to look at whether closer working across a partnership area could be effective in managing demand and improve patient access to GP services.

“This test site will allow us to see what works and what doesn’t – helping to inform future decisions about the new GP contract.

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