Press release: PCT Network comments on BMA chairman's speech
07 Jul 2008
Commenting on Hamish Meldrum's speech to the BMA conference, David Stout, director of the PCT Network, said:
"General practice is a highly valued and trusted part of the NHS, and we want to see GP services continue to prosper and develop.
"The Government has required all primary care trusts to introduce at least one GP-led health centre with longer opening hours and a list size of at least 6,000 as part of a national drive to increase GP provision. These are new practices in addition to existing services and any GP can choose to bid to provide these new services. It is likely that some of these will be run by traditional GP businesses and others by relatively new independent sector organisations.
"Patients have a fundamental right to choose their GP. If new practices open, this will mean greater choice for patients. Patients will want to go to the best practices available and we should make it easier for people to do this. Continuity of care is important to many patients, and there is no reason why they cannot continue to have a relationship with one doctor if that is what they want.
"In some areas, PCTs are planning to introduce polyclinics, which go far beyond the Government's minimum requirements for GP-led health centres and usually bring together several general practices and a wider range of healthcare services. It is quite right that polyclinics should not be imposed centrally. While the polyclinic model has the potential to improve the quality and organisation of care, it will not be appropriate in every area. PCTs will only introduce polyclinics where this is right for their local area and after consultation with the public and existing practices.
"We need to be clear that PCTs cannot force GPs to close or move into polyclinics. GPs would only move into new premises where they choose to do so because they feel it will improve the quality of the services they can offer. Existing surgeries can only be shut if they fail to meet minimum standards. Where GPs choose to move into these new premises, patients will still be able to visit their own practice but will also be able to access additional services such as diagnostics tests on site.
"While the vast majority of general practices offer a good quality of care, there is a small minority where standards of care are unacceptable. It is right in these cases that action is taken to improve standards for patients."
Notes for editors
1. 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.
2. 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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