RCGP Response to NHS Next Stage Review
14th January
2009
Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal
College of General Practitioners, said:
“The RCGP welcomes the report from the Commons
Health Select Committee on the NHS Next Stage Review. We
contributed positively to Lord Darzi’s Primary Care Strategy and
support the initiatives laid down in the final report, but we
continue to have concerns about the rollout of GP-led health
centres and polyclinics.”
“This report confirms what we have been saying
publicly - that not all PCTs need to create additional GP-led
centres or polyclinics. In some areas they could work well, but one
size does not fit all. In other places they would be expensive and
unnecessary.”
“The extra investment in primary care is most
welcome - the recently announced investment in GP training centres
was an excellent example of this.
Investment should be targeted at the needs of
patients and is best carried out in consultation with local people
and local GPs. Investment in existing high quality practices would
have provided even better outcomes for our patients.”
“We are pleased with the endorsement from MPs
for our federated model of GPs working together. We believe this is
the best way forward to deliver more choice and better care for
patients.”
“The RCGP is committed to raising the quality
of care provided by GPs, and is pleased with the review’s emphasis
on quality and clinical leadership. Just like the Health Select
Committee, we have stated clearly our support for Lord Darzi’s
emphasis on quality and clinical leadership. We share the
committee’s concerns that access was tackled ahead of quality, the
theme of the final Primary Care Strategy.”
“We also share the concerns of the Select
Committee over the implementation of the review and the ability of
some PCTs to deliver. This needs to be addressed to ensure patients
are receiving the best quality of care, wherever they live in this
country.”
For a word document version of this press
statement, click
here
For more information please contact the RCGP Press Office.
Press Office: 020 7344 3136
Out of hours: 07885 958 632
Email: press@rcgp.org.uk