Latest RCGP statement on Health and Social Care Bill
27/01/12
There has been much talk this week about how
the profession as a whole can continue to influence the Health and
Social Care Bill as it moves into the Report Stage at the House of
Lords.
The College’s position has not changed; our concerns remain the
same and we are determined to keep on doing everything that we can
to bring about change for the good of our patients.
In particular, we have asked for clarification and amendments on
the following points:
- The Secretary of State’s existing duty to provide, or secure
the provision of, a comprehensive health service throughout
England, must be retained
- That commissioners will not be required to open up services to
competition unless it can be demonstrated that this would be in the
patient’s best interests and compatible with the requirements of
patient safety and the ability to provide integrated care
- The introduction of further safeguards on education and
training, including robust mechanisms to ensure the provision of
sufficient post graduate training places, and the long term
retention of post graduate deaneries
We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Academy of
Medical Royal Colleges and to take up these concerns with
Government, to press for substantive change.
ENDS
Further information
RCGP Press office – 020 3188 7574/7575/7576
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk