Doctors in the region are predicting that a radical reforms package may help to solve the chronic shortage of GPs.

But a patient watchdog has expressed fears that the proposed new GP contract will fail to boost the North-East's medical workforce.

The region has the most GP vacancies in the country, causing difficulties for patients who want to see a doctor.

The new deal has been thrashed out between the Department of Health and the British Medical Association.

If it is accepted by GPs in a ballot next month the new contract promises a 33 per cent increase in resources for general practice over three years.

In a break with nearly half a century of tradition it will allow mainstream GPs to give up the traditional responsibility of providing 24 hour care.

This is likely to lead to more salaried GPs working limited hours.

While it is not clear how much extra GPs will be paid, doctors who agree to take on extra responsibilities such as diagnostic tests are expected to be paid up to 30 per cent more over three years - taking the average GP earnings of £61,000 up to £80,000.

Dr John Canning, a Middlesbrough GP who sits on the national GP committee of the British Medical Association, heard the details first hand at BMA headquarters in London.

"It looks as if this deal will be excellent news for general practice and good for the North-East.

It is a third extra money which will allow us to employ the numbers of staff needed to meet the demand from patients," said Dr Canning.

Dr Jamie Harrison, a Durham GP who is involved in training newly qualified doctors, said: "I think this makes the job look more attractive to new doctors."

Dr Ian Ruffett, head of primary care for County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, said, "care at home will not necessarily be delivered by doctors, there will be more care provided by nurses."

But Valerie Bryden, chief officer of South Durham and Wear Valley Community Health Council, said: "This moves away from the traditional doctor-patient relationship to a team approach. That is going to be a radical change for people.

Mrs Bryden said she doubted whether it would address the problem of getting more doctors to work in the region.