Menu
21/05/2010
Doctors Favour New NHS Proposals
The UK's doctors have been responding to the coalition government's plans for the NHS.
The British Medical Association (BMA) Chairman, Dr Hamish Meldrum, said: "Doctors want to work constructively with the new Government and we are pleased that (the) plans prioritise clinical engagement with the medical profession - it is essential that this dialogue is meaningful and does not just pay lip-service to the notion of involving clinicians in proposals for the health service.
"Despite some reassurances about funding, the NHS faces a challenging time ahead with considerable funding pressures and any plans the Government has to make for efficiency savings should be based on clear clinical evidence and involve doctors at all levels to ensure that quality of care for patients is protected."
Dr Meldrum added: "The BMA wants to see a lot more detail about the plans before responding to many of the specific policy areas.
"We are already aware of some of the proposals set out for GPs and we are willing and ready to discuss these with the Government.
"While we support sensible suggestions to improve patient access and choice, enabling patients to register with any GP practice they want will, in reality, be very complex, potentially more expensive and could threaten that important relationship between a doctor and his or her patients," he continued.
"We need to ask the Government whether, given the current financial pressures, now is the right time to embark on such a costly venture.
"We agree that producing the best possible health outcomes must be a priority.
"Doctors always want to strive to improve their clinical results; however, it is essential that mechanisms for collecting and publishing data are robust, evidence-based and meaningful to health professionals and patients.
"The idea of an independent board to oversee the day-to-day running of the NHS was first mooted by the BMA several years ago and the BMA also proposed more patient and public involvement at a local level.
"We will be very happy to discuss the development of these proposals with the Government," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
The British Medical Association (BMA) Chairman, Dr Hamish Meldrum, said: "Doctors want to work constructively with the new Government and we are pleased that (the) plans prioritise clinical engagement with the medical profession - it is essential that this dialogue is meaningful and does not just pay lip-service to the notion of involving clinicians in proposals for the health service.
"Despite some reassurances about funding, the NHS faces a challenging time ahead with considerable funding pressures and any plans the Government has to make for efficiency savings should be based on clear clinical evidence and involve doctors at all levels to ensure that quality of care for patients is protected."
Dr Meldrum added: "The BMA wants to see a lot more detail about the plans before responding to many of the specific policy areas.
"We are already aware of some of the proposals set out for GPs and we are willing and ready to discuss these with the Government.
"While we support sensible suggestions to improve patient access and choice, enabling patients to register with any GP practice they want will, in reality, be very complex, potentially more expensive and could threaten that important relationship between a doctor and his or her patients," he continued.
"We need to ask the Government whether, given the current financial pressures, now is the right time to embark on such a costly venture.
"We agree that producing the best possible health outcomes must be a priority.
"Doctors always want to strive to improve their clinical results; however, it is essential that mechanisms for collecting and publishing data are robust, evidence-based and meaningful to health professionals and patients.
"The idea of an independent board to oversee the day-to-day running of the NHS was first mooted by the BMA several years ago and the BMA also proposed more patient and public involvement at a local level.
"We will be very happy to discuss the development of these proposals with the Government," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
28 May 2003
Government pledges 285,000 more NHS operations by 2008
The government announced a new target to carry out 285,000 more NHS operations in family doctors surgeries and outpatient clinics over the next three years as part of a drive to speed up simpler operations and make them more accessible to patients.
Government pledges 285,000 more NHS operations by 2008
The government announced a new target to carry out 285,000 more NHS operations in family doctors surgeries and outpatient clinics over the next three years as part of a drive to speed up simpler operations and make them more accessible to patients.
09 December 2004
Patients can trust their doctors, says BMA
Patients can and do still trust their doctors, says the British Medical Association (BMA) on the day the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry is published. The BMA said cumulative changes to the way doctors work, introduced since the conviction of Harold Shipman, justified the retention of professionally led regulation.
Patients can trust their doctors, says BMA
Patients can and do still trust their doctors, says the British Medical Association (BMA) on the day the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry is published. The BMA said cumulative changes to the way doctors work, introduced since the conviction of Harold Shipman, justified the retention of professionally led regulation.
01 July 2003
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
30 October 2007
Regulation Will Make Doctors ‘Defensive’
Plans by the General Medical Council’s (GMC) to change the way the medical profession is regulated will lead to ‘an unhealthy climate of fear’. The British Medical Council believes that doctors will be reluctant to innovate and will be pushed into practising ‘defensive medicine’.
Regulation Will Make Doctors ‘Defensive’
Plans by the General Medical Council’s (GMC) to change the way the medical profession is regulated will lead to ‘an unhealthy climate of fear’. The British Medical Council believes that doctors will be reluctant to innovate and will be pushed into practising ‘defensive medicine’.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
