Database reveals medical results

Patients in Lincs should have a better idea how their GPs are performing with the launch of a new database.

From Wednesday, people can access information on how doctors are managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and asthma.

Surgeries deemed to be doing well in terms of best practice will receive extra payments from the government.

Heath chiefs admit it is a complex system but say it will improve NHS services for patients.

The scheme was first introduced across the UK last year as part of the new GP contract.

Doctors receive bonus payments based on points awarded for the services they deliver.

David Dunham, from West Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, said: "It brings everybody up to a similar level of quality for doing similar things.

"I think in Lincolnshire we are already at a high level of quality but it will bring up other areas up to levels that we already have locally."