The biggest threat to the NHS yet

The future of the NHS will be the next great issue. What is at stake?  

Without a mention in any manifesto the Coalition plans to replace Primary Care Trusts with GP Consortiums.

Family doctors will have greater autonomy and influence over their patients' treatment through control of £80bn of the NHS budget  All hospital trusts will become semi-independent foundation trusts.

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65% of GPs do not want the government’s plan, think they should not be compelled to take part and that the plans are potentially damaging. They do not want to take on the huge responsibilities. 

These untried and untested plans, expose the NHS to an unacceptably high level of financial and clinical risk. and doctors consider the proposals are not a good use of public money when the NHS has to save £15bn-£20bn.

Over 50% of GPs think the government’s timetable for change is unrealistic and unachievable.  

Trust in GPs could be undermined as almost total control of finances means that practices must  consider financial concerns alongside clinical ones. which may lead to some patients losing access to vital services.

Neighbouring GP consortiums could vary in the level and type of service available.

Overspending consortiums will not be bailed out. Will patients get particular treatments if their consortium is in deficit?

Given the novelty of the new system for most GPs,  doctors will need a great deal of organisational support.

The new system will increase the role of the private sector as GP consortiums will be free to buy in  support from private companies.

David Furness of the Social Market Foundation, quoted in The Guardian, “Private health firms scent big opportunity in NHS outsourcing plans”, 17 July 2010.

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