ABSTRACT
Primary care trusts (PCTs) are the cornerstone of general medical practice. They run primary care services and commission care from a wide range of providers. Primary care organisations can use a locally agreed arrangement with practices, namely the Personal Medical Services contract. Since April 2004 there have been many changes in general practice finances and funding. PCTs now inspect GP practices once a year, which may involve asking receptionists how they deal with difficult patients, or patients who collapse in the surgery. The Scottish Allocation Formula enables the distribution of resources to GP practices on the basis of the particular needs of the practice population. The new General Medical Services contract outlines national arranagements to co-ordinate and facilitates the development of schemes to maximise the benefits of health service provision to patients and alternative models of service provision within general practice. Most practices in Northern Ireland are well placed to obtain a significant income from the quality framework.
