DOCTORS claim the GP service is at crisis point, with welfare reforms adding to an already increased workload.

MSPs on the Scottish Parliament Health Committee heard from a GP representing the British Medical Association on the impact of benefit changes.

Dr Alan McDevitt, chairman, Scottish General Practitioners Committee, BMA Scotland told the committee it wasn't a doctor's job to decide who was entitled to benefits

He was challenged by MSPs over surgeries in Glasgow displaying posters which told patients not to ask for letters providing 'further medical evidence' for unfit to work benefit assessments.

Dr McDevitt, who works in Clydebank, said the posters were a decision of the Local Medical Committee, and they had since been removed.

Drew Smith Glasgow Labour MSP asked Dr McDevitt if there was a "workload crisis in primary care.

Dr McDevitt said; "Yes, health needs are changing.

"Around 30% of a GP's work is someone presenting with something that day, there is chronic illness and anticipatory care planning.

"On that basis alone we need more capacity."

He said providing evidence for benefits appeals, when 38% of them are granted, is "false extra work". He said it was repeating work that had already been done and unnecessary if the benefit was granted in the first place.

He said doctors had concerns over the assessment system applied by ATOS .

He said it was designed to reduce the numbers of people qualifying for benefits

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk