Audit raises concerns about NHS Ayrshire & Arran's governance
NHS Ayrshire & Arran currently pays about £1.1m each year in GP Sustainability Payments to 11 practices
- Published
A major review of payments to GP practices across Ayrshire and Arran has been launched after an external audit raised concerns about oversight and governance.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran currently pays about £1.1m each year in GP Sustainability Payments to 11 practices.
However, auditors found contracts had not been assessed for many years and recommended tighter controls.
The health board said the full review of all 11 practices receiving the support would be handled sensitively, as many surgeries may rely on the payments to remain viable.
The audit was carried out in late 2024 by external firm AZETS and stated that there needed to be:
consistent and up-to-date contracts with practices
clearer roles and responsibilities
stronger processes and controls over payments
a better understanding of existing arrangements.
Debbie McGill, Head of Primary and Urgent Care Services at the health board, said that without the support, some practices could choose to resign from their contracts.
In such a case, the health board could be forced to take over the running of the surgery, which would be considered a costly last resort.
A group has been set up to oversee the improvement plan.
Measures include annual review meetings with practices, updated contracts aligned to the 2018 Scottish GP contract, and stricter performance reporting before payments are made.
The report says that progress has already been made - such as clearer payment instructions and improved financial reporting.
However, some target dates have been pushed back to allow practices time to provide documentation and for direct discussions to take place.
The information was shared at the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership's Audit and Performance Committee.
The Partnership acknowledged any reduction or withdrawal of sustainability payments could have financial and service implications for patients and staff.
It said said the changes were aimed at ensuring best value and safeguarding primary care services in the long term.