31 Aug 2005
The NHS Confederation, which represents more than 90 per cent of NHS organisations, today heralded the significant achievement of the first year of the quality and outcomes framework (QOF) of the GMS contract.
Results published today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that on average each practice has achieved 91 per cent of the points available or 959 out of a possible 1050 points with high levels of achievement against all indicators.
Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "The Quality and Outcomes Framework is part of the new GP contract which is the only contract in the world which puts quality at the heart of the payment system for doctors. I wholeheartedly welcome this report which gives us, for the first time, comprehensive data about the prevalence and treatment of common conditions including asthma and diabetes.
"As it is based on the best scientific evidence about what makes a difference to patient outcomes, it offers a win-win for doctors and patients as the health of the public will improve as GPs increase the points they achieve.
"This data will enable PCTs and GPs to tailor their services to the health needs of their local populations. This is good news for everyone who accesses NHS primary care.
"GPs have exceeded expectations during the first year of the QOF, earning many more points than was originally estimated which is good news for patients. It shows the very high quality of GP services in the UK and how hard practices have worked to improve quality. I congratulate GPs on this achievement.
"Many PCTs will however face short-term financial challenges because they will be paying more money than expected to GPs who have achieved more points than expected. But, in the medium to long term, the improvements in health will reduce NHS costs as health problems are identified earlier and managed effectively. For example better management of high blood pressure will reduce the cases of stroke. This is a major killer and cause of disability. The potential savings from the reduction will dwarf the short term increase in costs as well as being better for patients and their families.
"NHS Employers, the workforce arm of the NHS Confederation, and the BMA are reviewing the QOF as part of an overall review of the GMS contract which is due to deliver changes in time for April 2006".
Contact Media Relations Manager Matt Akid on 020 7074 3306 or 07887 633344 or Media Officer Amy Darlington on 020 7074 3304 or 07767 770309
Last reviewed 9 Nov 2006