Save Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Out-of-hours GP reforms attacked

The government "thoroughly mishandled" the introduction of the new system for out-of-hours health care in England, say MPs.

A public accounts committee report found that preparations were shambolic, and that only GPs had done well out of the new arrangements.

It said the service was now starting to improve, but performance was still not good enough.

The Department of Health said the changes had benefited most patients.

Prior to April 2004, GPs were responsible for providing out-of-hours care between 6.30pm and 8am on week days, and over the weekend.
Under the new system they were able to opt out of this responsibility in return for giving up an average of £6,000 per year.

Responsibility for out-of-hours care would then pass to the local primary care trust.

One leading member of the British Medical Association negotiating team has admitted that they were shocked at just how good the deal being offered was for doctors.

GOOD ON THE G.P'S FOR CATCHING OUT THE GOVERNMENT...............

IT IS DETRIMENTAL FOR PATIENTS AND DID NOT ALLOW FOR THE INTELLIGENCE
OF THE G.P'S IN THE UK
I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR MINE AND HE WORKS 3 DAY A WEEK NOW, NO OUT OF
HOURS WORK.............NICE IF YOU CAN GET IT
THERE IS AN OUT OF HOURS GP SERVICE BUT IT IS NOT REALLY UP TO SCRATCH,
IF A DOCTOR IS AVAILABLE TO BE SEEN, SO WHAT DO YOU DO..........GO TO A&E

IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS GOT THIS SO WRONG AND THE PCT CANNOT PROVIDE
A DECENT OUT OF HOUR SERVICE THEN...........

HOW CAN THE PEOPLE TRUST THEM TO PROVIDE THE "NEW" CARE SYSTEM OF
TREATMENT IN THE COMMUNITY..................THEY DON'T AND WON'T....................
BECAUSE THE SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE AND CAN'T BE AFFORDED ........