GPs express concern at likely disruption caused by government's healthcare reforms

GPs have expressed concern at the disruption the government’s proposed shake-up of the NHS could have to existing management and relationships in local health communities where good practice already exists.

At its council meeting on Monday, the Royal College of General Practitioners also set out its concerns at:

• The pace of change
• The cost of change, and
• The increasing role of commercial organisations in the provision of care.

The RCGP nevertheless said it particularly welcomed the emphasis in the government’s White Paper Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS on clinical leadership and the central role of GPs in the NHS.

It added that it was “confident that GPs will rise to the challenges presented by the White Paper, but we need to do so in a considered, patient-centred and value-driven way, and in collaboration with our specialist colleagues”.

The RCGP’s council also discussed a paper on its current and future involvement with commissioning, and how it might support its members.