RCGP calls for improved support for primary care in light of Healthcare Commission report, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 27 Jul 2005 - 14:00 PDT

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The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is concerned that the financial state of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) - with around a quarter in the red - is contributing significantly to health inequalities in the UK.

The College feels that the annual report out today from the Healthcare Commission on NHS performance ratings reinforces RCGP members' views that whilst GPs want to improve much needed services for their patients, their efforts to do so in some areas are significantly hampered by the poor state of readiness of PCTs.

The College is calling for the Department of Health to put forward recommendations for the future structure and function of PCTs so that they can better support GP practices to develop primary care services.

Relatively few PCTs achieved three stars compared to acute trusts (19% versus 42%) according to the Healthcare Commission report. The RCGP is also concerned about the wide variation of performance within the NHS.

Dr Mayur Lakhani, Chairman of the RCGP, said: "The NHS is improving and I would like to praise the efforts of all those who have contributed to the achievements. However, the Healthcare Commission's report confirms what many GPs have found: that some PCTs cannot invest in much needed services because they are in financial deficit. It is now time for the NHS to devote energy and attention to primary care where the vast majority of the work of the health service takes place."

The Healthcare Commission 2004/05 NHS performance ratings report

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and to act as the "voice" of GPs on issues concerned with education; training; research; and clinical standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 22,500 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline.

Promoting excellence in family medicine http://www.rcgp.org.uk

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