24.10.12
GP contract changes ‘ill-conceived’ – BMA
The Department of Health has set out proposed changes to the medical services contract for 2013/14, after negotiations with the BMA and NHS Employers broke down.
The changes include stopping additional rewards for GPs for organisational tasks such as good record keeping. Financial measures would instead be given for following NICE guidance to improve care for patients with long-term conditions and help prevent unnecessary emergency admissions to hospital.
New indicators will be introduced into the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF), including new blood pressure targets in the over-80s and new indicators for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer patients.
The DH has also proposed that overall investment in the GP contract should increase by 1.5%, which it suggests will allow for average pay increases of up to 1% for GPs and practice staff. The BMA has suggested the increase could lead to an actual pay cut for many doctors and has urged the Government to return to the negotiated settlement.
A letter from Dame Barbara Hakin, national managing director of commissioning development, to chief executives of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities reads: “The Department of Health may need to vary the contract without agreement from the BMA.”
The BMA has stated the changes would have “huge” implications for GPs’ workloads and income, and said: “These changes seem to be more about ill-conceived quick fixes rather than solid, evidence-based improvements.”
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Putting patients first is our priority and I make no apology for this. The GP contract needs to change so that it further improves care for patients.
“Our proposals will help ensure that we provide the very best care and support possible for those at most risk of life-threatening conditions. We want to drive up standards for all and want the contract to reflect the most up-to-date expert guidance and excellent standards of care.
“We want the BMA to work with us on making this happen, but will not back away from making changes that will deliver better care for patients.”
A spokesperson for NHS Employers said: “It is disappointing to report that we have been unable to reach an agreement on a negotiated settlement. NHS Employers remains available and willing to further discuss potential changes to the GMS contract with the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA.”
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