Response to reports of proposals expected from Health White Paper: GP commission
Patients Association Press Release
09.07.10 For immediate release
Response to reports of proposals expected from Health White Paper: GP commissioning
In response to the proposals reported to be contained in the Health White Paper expected to be published on Monday, Patients Association Director Katherine Murphy said:
"If true, these proposals clearly put paid to the idea that there wouldn't be any major reorganisations. This represents a major reorganisation.
"There are potential benefits to these proposals. We support empowering clinicians who can often have a better understanding of the experiences and needs of patients. If the people in charge of commissioning see firsthand the outcomes for their patients they will have powerful incentives to make sure services are delivering good results.
"But there is no denying these changes are a huge experiment without much hard evidence about how they will work in the NHS on the suggested scale. We are talking about not just a large amount of public money, but about a public service that is incredibly valued by those that use and need it. We would hope to see very very clear and detailed plans about how this will be introduced in a way that ensures any problems are picked up and addressed quickly. There should be piloting and gradual introduction to protect patients from the consequences of failure.
"The biggest question that is unanswered is whether or not GPs will want to do this. And more importantly, whether they have the skills and expertise. Do all of them have the right understanding of how to commission comprehensive services for a population in a way that reflects local needs and secures value for money? Even if the majority are enthusiastic, what about patients having their services commissioned by disinterested and inexperienced GPs? Where will the accountability lie for that? And if GPs just end up contracting out the job to external consultants on a massive scale that will defeat the purpose of doing this in the first place.
"There is a serious question of accountability. Who is going to scrutinise the work of the GP commissioners? Who is going to step in if they aren't doing a good job? We need to make sure the accountability issue is thoroughly considered.
"The most recent example of attempting this, practice based commissioning, hasn't proved very successful. These proposals will create very different circumstances which would make success easier to achieve - but this should still sound a note of caution for all those involved.
"These are the issues that the White Paper will need to address to enable us to reassure patients that these plans will not lead to deterioration in patient care.”
For more information and to arrange interviews please contact the Patients Association on 0208 423 9111. Please note availability for interview on Monday will be limited.
