The Scottish Government has launched a new consultation today to get views on eligibility criteria for providers of primary medical services, particularly opinions on commercial companies running GP surgeries.

Part of a move to ensure that GP surgeries are part of a "mutual NHS", the Scottish Government hopes the consultation will support changes to the law and ensure commercial companies are prevented from taking a stake in GP surgeries.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon stressed: "It's crucial that everyone who uses the health service in Scotland has confidence in the advice and treatment they are offered.

"The Scottish Government is committed to the vision of a mutual NHS underpinned by the values of public service, of co-operation and collaboration.

"That is why we are proposing to amend the law to ensure that general practice is provided by those with a direct interest in the patients they treat and in the good of the wider NHS.  I believe that commercial companies, where shareholders may not be part of or have a direct interest in the NHS, should not be used to provide such vital frontline services.

"The law currently allows commercial companies to provide GP services. Although this has not yet happened in Scotland, I believe we should act now to ensure GP services continue to be provided by the traditional model where the owners of the practice are directly involved in running the practice as well as treating patients."

However, Conservative counterpart Mary Scanlon accused the SNP of being "so tied up with political ideology that this is now taking precedence over patient focussed care and freedom of choice for patients".

“Scottish Conservatives strongly support GPs in Scotland who are independent contractors of healthcare, albeit quite different to commercial firms.  Over 90 per cent of patient contact with the NHS is in primary care, this service is strongly valued by all patients." 

“There is a place for private clinics to provide choice and access for patients and companies across Scotland, these organisations can and do exist alongside the GP surgeries across Scotland."

The proposals on the provision of GP services are set to form part of the forthcoming Health Bill.