MPs condemn 'eye-watering' pay rise for GPs in England

GPs in England gained "eye-watering" pay increases of 58% under a revised NHS contract that reduced their working hours, the Commons public accounts committee said. The committee found the contract, which allowed family doctors to opt out of care outside office hours, cost the Department of Health more than expected over the three years to 2006. Partners in GP practices were rewarded with bonuses for meeting performance targets that were designed to give patients a better service.