GPs say the new contracts will improve health care

Wages have risen by up to 25% since new GP contracts were introduced in 2004, with critics claiming they have been responsible for NHS deficits.

However, the BMA's Dr Mary Church attacked the "sensational headlines".

GPs gathered at the annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees in Clydebank to discuss their concerns.

Speaking on BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, Dr Church said doctors were upset by the negative headlines over pay with reports of salaries at about the �100,000 mark.

I'm sure we'll hear from a lot of angry GPs who have been upset by this Dr Mary Church BMA Scotland

She said a pay rise negotiated by GPs was designed to tackle low morale within the profession and encourage more young doctors to choose general practices as a career.

"I think GPs today will want to talk about it and I'm sure we'll hear from a lot of angry GPs who have been upset by this," she said.

"But it has been shown that patients, in a lot of polls that have been done, realise that this is a sensational headline - they do value their GPs.

Salary scale

"We need a chance to air our concerns about these headlines.

"The �100,000 figure refers to GPs in England. The figure in Scotland is actually less than that and is probably about �80,000."

BMA Scotland said more than 800 potentially life-threatening cardiovascular conditions would be prevented within five years due to the new GP contract.

It said this was a result of doctors effectively controlling hypertension.

The new contract rewards practices which can show they have given the best possible treatment for potentially fatal diseases.

Dr Church said more than 94% of practices had given high quality care for patients with hypertension.

BMA Scotland says the public value their doctors

In Scotland, more than 500,000 patients have hypertension, a condition which puts them at risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses and death.

Research shows that over a five-year period, 820 cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes will be prevented by lowering blood pressure and controlling hypertension effectively.

Dr Church said: "This is just one example of how evidence-based interventions by GPs can keep people healthier and save lives."

Speaking at the conference, Dr David Love expressed concerns that a change in the law would allow various government agencies access to medical records without patient knowledge or consent.

The Joint Inspections of Children's Services and Inspection of Social Work Services (Scotland) Act was passed earlier this year, despite concerns raised by the BMA and child welfare organisations.

'Vital information'

Dr Love said: "The doctor-patient relationship is the cornerstone of general practice.

"This legislation will deter patients from sharing vital information with their GP and seriously compromise our ability to offer them the support they need."

A Scottish Executive spokesperson said: "Joint inspections are vital in ensuring vulnerable children get the help they need.

"We consulted extensively on the bill proposals, which received broad support. We know that there are some remaining concerns on the issue of patient confidentiality.

"We are continuing to monitor this while the first few child protection inspections are under way, and will fully reassess this before wider child services inspections get under way."