This capable RCGP Scotland chair has been nominated for putting general practice centre stage since taking the reins last November from Dr John Gillies.
The Dingwall GP hit the headlines in April with figures that showed the ‘crisis’ in general practice in Scotland, with more than 900 new GPs needed by 2020 if the proportion per head of population was to be maintained.
He later published a ‘Blueprint for Scottish general practice’, a document that called for an increase in the number of GPs, incentives to attract GPs into underdoctored areas and increased investment in returner and retainer programmes.
Some of these objectives were achieved, with the announcement of a £50m fund to improve GP retention and recruitment over three years by the Scottish Government.
As Dr Mack explains: ‘I have worked hard to ensure our members’ voices are heard by promoting and representing our profession in the media. When patients experience difficulty in getting an appointment with their GP they deserve to know why, and our members deserve to have as much public support as possible.’
Over the next year, Dr Mack says he hopes to continue to make an impact, with work continuing on shaping the new Scottish GP contract from 2017, including a ‘peer-led, values-driven’ model of quality to replace the QOF.
He is also gearing up for elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2016 with a ‘Manifesto for General Practice’ that will urge all political parties to put general practice at the heart of their election commitments.
‘It will be a very busy time,’ he admits.
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