(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations consolidate, with amendments, those provisions of the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1974 (“the 1974 Regulations”) which relate to general medical services. The provisions of the 1974 Regulations which relate to pharmaceutical services are consolidated in the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/414). The 1974 Regulations and all subsequent amendments are revoked by regulation [13] and Schedule [5] to the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. These Regulations therefore regulate the terms on which general medical services are provided under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

The principal changes effected by these Regulations are:—

a

to rationalise various time limits applicable under the existing Regulations; in some cases time limits have been extended to allow more time for the relevant requirements to be met; and

b

the removal of the right of a Health Board to vary the terms of service for doctors.

These Regulations also make a number of minor or consequential drafting amendments.