TOPSHAM patients could be sent to their local hospital with minor injuries rather than be treated by their doctor under a new proposal by the NHS. Devon Primary Care Trust is proposing to end their payments to GPs who treat minor injuries, such as burns o

TOPSHAM patients could be sent to their local hospital with minor injuries rather than be treated by their doctor under a new proposal by the NHS.Devon Primary Care Trust is proposing to end their payments to GPs who treat minor injuries, such as burns or cuts.Any GP within a 10-mile radius of a minor injury unit will have to turn them away or pay for the patient's treatment from their own funds.As independent contractors, doctors are paid a fee by the NHS to provide a wide range of services to their patients which includes minor injuries.For Topsham this would mean residents would have to travel to the Royal Devon and Exeter site in Wonford or Exmouth Hospital.The Devon PCT said this system should free up more time for GPs to spend with their patients.Simon Tapley, assistant director of primary care at Devon Primary Care Trust, said: "We have notified the health overview and scrutiny committee, Local Medical Council and GPs of our aim to end this payment to practices in those areas where patients may reasonably be expected to attend a nearby minor injury unit or walk-in centre. "The change is needed because there is currently duplication of minor injury services in some areas. "It is something that the NHS