Professor Mayur Lakhani, Chair of the RCGP,
says:
“It has become convenient to blame doctors’
and nurses’ pay for the black hole in NHS finances – this is
unacceptable and must stop. This report shows that there is no
single cause for the problems.
“What is exposed by this report is a lack of
top class financial expertise, planning and management across the
NHS. If pay was the sole reason, why is that two thirds of trusts
managed to balance their books? This lack of optimal financial
management systems across all trusts must be addressed.
“GPs tell us that they are concerned about
waste, inefficiency, bureaucracy and lack of meaningful involvement
in planning health services. They are also concerned about how NHS
resources are being used, for example the increasing use of
management consultants – the National Audit Office confirmed in a
report in 2006 that £500 million were spent on management
consultants by the health service in the preceding two years.
“The debate needs to move on now and a key
factor in this is to involve more doctors in decision making and
planning. Clinical engagement must not be seen as a luxury but a
‘must do’ to achieve the best results for patients.”
Ends
To read the PAC report please click
here
For further information contact Lorna Fletcher in the Press
Office on 0207 3443136 or email press@rcgp.org.uk