RCGP calls for the value of general practice to be
recognised
2 February 2007
"We are deeply concerned that GPs appear to have become easy
targets for what are deep seated and complex problems in the
NHS.
GP access surveys and our own conversations
with patients show high levels of patient satisfaction and year on
year improvements.Patients repeatedly tell us that general practice
is the most successful and responsive part of the NHS.
There clearly is a disconnect between the
negative portrayal of GPs and the high regard in which GPs are held
by patients. It is time to acknowledge the value of general
practice and the unique – but largely ignored – contribution of GPs
in holding the NHS together.
GP practices have been the enduring feature of
the NHS in endless reorganisations and have provided much needed
stability. Over 90% of healthcare problems are dealt with in
primary care with over a million consultations taking place on an
average working day - but this is seldom acknowledged.
The reality of a health service without
general practice is very disturbing - fragmentation of care
provided by multiple providers; patients categorised according to
their diseases and patients being discharged without the necessary
aftercare.
One of the hidden values of general practice
is our role as a safety net for patients - the old, the vulnerable,
people with complex and multiple diseases. We never discharge
patients but carry on providing lifelong care for generations. As
well as being clinical experts, today’s GPs are trainers, teachers,
researchers, innovators at the forefront of patient care and
specialists in the individual patient - yet most of this work goes
largely unnoticed or is overlooked.
We are not saying everything is perfect or
that there is no room for improvement. GPs continue to make
innovations and improve services over and above contractual
requirements. It is time to raise the level of debate and for
decision makers to start playing up the strengths of general
practice"
Professor Mayur Lakhani, FRCGP
Chairman, Royal College of General
Practitioners
Ends