A NEW diabetes contract which will see a group of GPs partly funded based on success has been signed.

Suffolk GP Federation will be responsible for 17,000 people living in Colchester and Tendring with diabetes for five years from next April.

The contract, awarded by the North East Essex clinical commissioning group, has been developed so 25 per cent of the federation’s income will be based on results.

Targets include ensuring all newly-diagnosed people get the education they need about their condition, and carrying out regular diabetes and blood tests.

The federation will work with GPs in north Essex, Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust and patient groups.

Dr Tim Reed, federation chairman, said: “This is a pioneering contract both in terms of the payment by results and in the way it provides an integrated approach for patients, who will find it easier to book and attend their diabetes appointments by using a single point of contact and by accessing higher level care locally to where they live.”

Dr Gary Sweeney, chairman of the clinical commissioning group board, added: “Outcomes for our patients do need to be improved, and I’m confident the new service will do that, more effectively meeting patients’ needs.”