NHS Reforms - GP Commissioners

National Association of Primary Care (NAPC)
Press Release
17 August 2010

With widespread reports about how the reforms are being slowed down by disenchanted NHS employees and the Civil Service itself with reams of bureaucratic guidance, a deterrent for any jobbing GP, NAPC's message to its members and more widely is to move towards the establishment of GP Commissioning arrangements as soon as is possible, within local limitations.

Dr Johnny Marshall, Chairman of NAPC, recommended: ‘Despite rumours and desires to the contrary, these reforms are going to take place. I would suggest that potential GP commissioning groups keep their eyes firmly sighted on the end objective - to deliver the highest possible care, as efficiently and effectively as possible, whether in the role of commissioner, or in the role of provider'. Dr Marshall continued: ‘At present it feels as though more people object to the government's reforms for the NHS than support them. However, we, as clinicians in primary care, know where waste exists; which tests are duplicated by secondary care; which hospitals deliver good outcomes; which patients need attention most urgently and which practices are underperforming. We have the information to improve on the delivery of healthcare for our populations. We do not have to do this unaided. We can bring in the expertise that will deliver results to support us and our patients in the forthcoming challenges and opportunities ahead. This is Primary Care's time. We must not let it slip through our fingers'.

The Chief Executive of NAPC, Mike Ramsden, added: ‘My advice to GP Commissioners would be to start identifying those with whom you know you are able to work, whether from PCTs or elsewhere, and to discuss early on how they might play a part in any future GP organisation that is developed. It is important that the most able managers do not leave the NHS, so early conversations with them would be helpful. Similarly, early identification of other commissioning groups with whom you might be able to work, followed by discussions and options for organisational structure around the functions that are to be carried out would be equally beneficial. Remember - early adopters will be established in the next financial year so there is a lot of preparatory work which should be undertaken now. ‘These reforms', Mike Ramdsen continued, ‘will provide you with the autonomy and responsibility that many of you have been seeking for years. The opportunities, as well as the challenges, are considerable, but I know that the majority of you can rise to them and transform the whole of the NHS into a World Class healthcare system. Do not be deterred from your mission'.

***ENDS***

Dr Jonathan Marshall, NAPC Chairman, Telephone Number: 0780 2946196
Mr Mike Ramsden, NAPC CEO, Telephone Number: 020 7636 7228

About National Association of Primary Care:

The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) is a non-political, non-profit-making organisation representing and supporting the interests of all its members, both individuals and organisations working in or with primary care. It also offers support through associate membership to those bodies, which provide services to primary care or have other health-related interests.