GPs struggle to compete with UK counterparts

THE number of top quality doctors applying to work in the island is continuing to fall because of a better NHS pay deal. Since the introduction of a new contract in 2004, GP wages in the UK have risen by up to 25% with some earning as much as £250,000 a year, it was announced yesterday.

British Medical Association local press spokesman Dr Brian Parkin said that it was increasingly difficult for Guernsey to compete with such a lucrative NHS package.

And he was concerned by the decline in local applicants.

'It's a trend that worries us,' said Dr Parkin.

'Combined with an increase in income, they 'UK doctors' have got a very good NHS pension and no responsibility for out-of-hours work.'

Under the terms of the deal, doctors' wages are calculated on a points system, with high performers receiving the best pay. The scheme, which assesses doctors on criteria such as clinical care, patient experience and appointment times, no longer requires them to work out of hours.

Dr Parkin said that the only logical solution would be to offer similar benefits to local doctors.

'We're going to have to go some way to match the deal available in the UK, either through financial incentives, a lack of night work or pension provision.'

Two years ago, an independent review body, made up of experts from the UK, recommended a deal for local consultation fees.

Dr Parkin said he hoped that when the three-year fixed agreement expired at the end of this year, then the matter would be addressed by Social Security, although he was realistic about the situation.

'The black hole has a depressing effect for those working in the public sector.

'We're well aware of that and the difficulties that the island faces, but we still need to provide the island with good quality doctors.'

Social Security minister Mary Lowe said that there had not as yet been any discussion with doctors about the 2007 fees.

'The doctors agreed to have their fees set by an independent review in return for the States increasing the consultation grants from £8 to £12,' said Deputy Lowe.

'We are not currently recommending any further increases in the grant, but if we were we would probably again look for independent validation of the fairness of the doctors' charges.'

Dr Parkin said that he did not want to comment on how much local doctors were paid, although he said that it was nothing like the increases in the UK.