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01/10/2010
BMA Criticises Health Care Changes
The British Medical Association (BMA) has criticised planned changes to the NHS in England, warning they could undermine its "stability and future."
The changes, set for July, will scrap two tiers of managers giving GPs more control of the budget. The government says the changes will help improve the health service.
Although not against the move in its entirety, the BMA said it had "fundamental" concerns over the amendments. In there official response to July's White Paper, the BMA said it was "ready, willing and able".
The criticism comes as the government faces a legal challenge from the public sector union Unison.
The union is seeking a judicial review over the way the government is handling the changes.
Later this month, after the official consultation period, ministers are planning talks with BMA negotiators about implementing the new plans.
This financial year, the government are eager to begin piloting the GP consortiums, which will take charge of the budget from the soon-to-be abolished primary care trusts. Full roll-out is planned within two years.
However the BMA have said the timetable could threaten the £20bn savings the health service has to make by 2014.
They also highlighted problems with the "obsession" of competition, which encourages care to be carried out more cheaply outside of hospitals.
Doctors fear the plans will lead to the increased involvement of the private sector damaging the doctor-patient relationship.
The BMA said a clear distinction between individual GPs and the consortiums was needed.
(BMcN)
The changes, set for July, will scrap two tiers of managers giving GPs more control of the budget. The government says the changes will help improve the health service.
Although not against the move in its entirety, the BMA said it had "fundamental" concerns over the amendments. In there official response to July's White Paper, the BMA said it was "ready, willing and able".
The criticism comes as the government faces a legal challenge from the public sector union Unison.
The union is seeking a judicial review over the way the government is handling the changes.
Later this month, after the official consultation period, ministers are planning talks with BMA negotiators about implementing the new plans.
This financial year, the government are eager to begin piloting the GP consortiums, which will take charge of the budget from the soon-to-be abolished primary care trusts. Full roll-out is planned within two years.
However the BMA have said the timetable could threaten the £20bn savings the health service has to make by 2014.
They also highlighted problems with the "obsession" of competition, which encourages care to be carried out more cheaply outside of hospitals.
Doctors fear the plans will lead to the increased involvement of the private sector damaging the doctor-patient relationship.
The BMA said a clear distinction between individual GPs and the consortiums was needed.
(BMcN)
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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.
