18 Sep 2007
Commenting on the CBI's report on GP access, David Stout, director of the NHS Confederation PCT Network which represents the majority of primary care trusts, said:
"This is a welcome and timely report and we agree with many of the CBI's recommendations. The PCT Network has been working with PCTs to develop solutions to improving GP services and, where necessary, access.
"Local solutions will depend on the local issue. It must be remembered that the recent GP survey revealed wide variations in satisfaction rates for GP services, depending on various factors including ethnicity and rural/urban location. However overall, 84 per cent of patients were satisfied with their GP's opening hours.
"For areas where opening hours are an issue for patients one local solution may be for PCTs to commission extended hours from selected practices in their area to include weekend and evening opening, which should encourage others to follow suit.
"The idea of dual registration has previously been rejected as it could lead to risks of poorly co-ordinated care. But as an alternative, we could give working patients the option to register with practices close to their work rather than their home."
The PCT Network represents the majority of primary care trusts in England. It was established in December 2006 to provide a distinct voice for PCTs. The Network is part of the NHS Confederation;
The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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Last reviewed 18 Sep 2007