- Page navigation anchor for Improving together: a new quality framework for GP clusters in ScotlandImproving together: a new quality framework for GP clusters in ScotlandThis editorial from a group of current/retired, representatives from the civil service, academia, RCGP, and BMA in Scotland, is welcome in that it describes a way forward to promote quality in general practice in Scotland. However, many GPs will be disappointed with it because of what it conspicuously fails to address.The authors ask GPs, amongst others, for ‘patience’, ‘mutual trust, empathy and lenience in judgement’ in the final paragraph. This is an extraordinarily audacious request on their part, given how long GPs have struggled to cope with the many negative consequences of the GP Contract agreed by the BMA in 2004, and the sustained disinvestment imposed by the Scottish Government since 2006. The combined impact of their policies contributed to the ‘production’ of the ‘clinical environment’, a euphemism for the inadequate and falling capacity, via the haemorrhaging of GPs and failure to attract new recruits.Instead, GPs should be asking the BMA and the Scottish Government to use this opportunity of a new Contract for a complete overhaul of the way they are funded with a view to ensuring that the bulk of GPs, who are committed and working hard, are rewarded and enabled to do the difficult job they face. A new system is required that ensures that the additional funding apportioned to deal with higher workload and unit costs is not at risk of being diverte...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.