NHS Confederation Comments On Public Accounts Committee Report On GP Contract, UK

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 14 Oct 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Commenting on the report, Steve Barnett chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents over 95% of NHS organisations, said:

"Although the PAC report highlights a number of issues, we are pleased that it recognises the benefits of the new GP contract, such as the shift in focus to the quality of patient services and the much needed increase in the number of GPs.

"The new contract brought radical change and, for the first time, linked improvements in patient care to reward for GPs in new and innovative ways. While it has taken a while for the contract to become established, we have made substantial progress and patients are seeing the benefits.

"NHS Employers has already addressed some of the areas raised in the PAC report. In 2006, we made significant changes to the contract and this resulted in substantial financial savings and improved patient services. In addition, earlier this year, we provided incentives for practices to provide additional appointment times which increased access for patients.

"We hope that the new GMS contract for 2009-10, continues to produce further benefits."

David Stout, Director of the Primary Care Trust Network, which represents the vast majority of Primary Care Trusts, added:

"We agree with the committee that PCTs must get better at using the contract to meet local needs. Having achieved financial and organisational stability, PCTs are in a position to address some of the critiques of the report.

"They are now setting up long term plans to address the health needs of local people. The GP contract is one, very useful, tool in helping them do this."

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.

The PCT Network represents all 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.

http://www.nhsconfed.org