The Remote Practitioners’ Association of Scotland is an organisation whose membership comprises General Practitioners from many different parts of rural Scotland.  It was previously in existence for around 30 years as The Inducement Practitioners’ Association, but was re-named in 2003 with the advent of the New GP Contract and the demise of the Inducement system.

The purpose of the Association is to further the educational and medico-political needs of its members. The educational activity is concentrated into the Annual Conference, and political issues discussed at the AGM. Medico-political issues are also dealt with throughout the year as the need arises, for instance: during recent years of New Contract negotiations, representatives of the RPAS have had a strong political voice and together with SGPC representative have resolved many contentious issues with relation to Rural Issues and the New Contract.

The members of the Association, whilst working in various different types of isolated Practices, have a common purpose which is to uphold and develop high quality rural medical services in their respective areas. Many of these GPs work single-handedly or in small isolated Practices, and therefore the Association provides an invaluable link to others who are in the same sort of situation, with similar problems and similar aims.

It is recognised that there may be many other remote and rural GPs throughout Scotland, who were not part of the Inducement System, who would have much to contribute to, and gain from, the organisation. The RPAS is therefore keen to extend its membership to any GP who feels they would fit the “remote and rural” category.

Membership Fee is £20.00 per annum. To join, please download an application form and send it with a cheque for £20 (made payable to R.P.A.S.) to  Dr Malcolm Elder, The Carradale Surgery, Carradale, Argyll, PA28 6QG. It would be helpful if you would also fill in the standing order portion for subsequent years.
 
 Following membership, application can be made to join the RPAS chatline, which provides a useful forum for discussion of various issues throughout the year. The chatline is maintained by the membership secretary, Dr. Jim Finlayson – contactable at Southend Medical Practice, Teapot Lane, Southend, Argyll. PA28 6RW. Tel: 01586 830635 email: jim.finlayson@nhs.net

The next annual Conference and AGM has been arranged from 12th –14th November 2009, at the Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness. Further details of the Educational Programme and booking fees, etc will be advertised later to all members. Any other interested GP is also welcome to attend this 3 day course, and can apply to attend by contacting the Conference Secretary:

Dr Iris Ritchie, Drummore Clinic, Drummore DG9 9QE 01776 840205
irisritchie@hotmail.com     
 

---