Menu
13/03/2012
Costs Soar As Doctors Spend Time Setting Up Reforms
NHS records reveal that senior GPs are spending less than one day a week seeing patients due to being too busy setting up new organisations as part of the governments reforms.
Family doctors are giving up four days each week to setting up clinical commisioning groups (CCGs), the groups of family doctors that will become key NHS bodies from April 2013.
It costs the NHS £123,900 a year to replace GPs with a locum. In one area alone 15 doctors are spending two day a week away from surgery at a cost of almost £1m a year.
Doctor’s leaders say GPs skills are being wasted and vital NHS funds are being wasted Andrew Lansley’s radical restructuring.
"It cannot make sense for experienced doctors to stop providing clinical expertise when the NHS is under such pressure. It's also incredibly bad timing as the NHS shouldn't be wasting precious resources on reorganising itself yet again," said Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the British Medical Association's GPs committee.
False Economy, a TUC-backed research group, made a freedom of information request to the NHS primary care trusts (PCTs) which showed how much time GPs are spending preparing the new set-up rather than treating patients; and the cost to the NHS of their being redirected into managerial tasks.
CCGs will take over management of £60bn NHS funds, replacing PCTs from April 2013.
Labour has warned that the disclosure of costs involved in setting up the CCGs underline the danger that patients could lose out as doctors will spend a significant portion of their time running the new groups and away from surgery’s.
Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "These plans are flawed on every level and represent a poor use of scarce NHS resources. It makes no sense to take GPs away from frontline patient care and pay [for] them twice in the process."
Family doctors are giving up four days each week to setting up clinical commisioning groups (CCGs), the groups of family doctors that will become key NHS bodies from April 2013.
It costs the NHS £123,900 a year to replace GPs with a locum. In one area alone 15 doctors are spending two day a week away from surgery at a cost of almost £1m a year.
Doctor’s leaders say GPs skills are being wasted and vital NHS funds are being wasted Andrew Lansley’s radical restructuring.
"It cannot make sense for experienced doctors to stop providing clinical expertise when the NHS is under such pressure. It's also incredibly bad timing as the NHS shouldn't be wasting precious resources on reorganising itself yet again," said Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the British Medical Association's GPs committee.
False Economy, a TUC-backed research group, made a freedom of information request to the NHS primary care trusts (PCTs) which showed how much time GPs are spending preparing the new set-up rather than treating patients; and the cost to the NHS of their being redirected into managerial tasks.
CCGs will take over management of £60bn NHS funds, replacing PCTs from April 2013.
Labour has warned that the disclosure of costs involved in setting up the CCGs underline the danger that patients could lose out as doctors will spend a significant portion of their time running the new groups and away from surgery’s.
Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "These plans are flawed on every level and represent a poor use of scarce NHS resources. It makes no sense to take GPs away from frontline patient care and pay [for] them twice in the process."
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
23 April 2004
NHS hits GP recruitment target early, claims government
The government claimed that the NHS has hit its GP recruitment target three months ahead of schedule, according to figures published today. GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
NHS hits GP recruitment target early, claims government
The government claimed that the NHS has hit its GP recruitment target three months ahead of schedule, according to figures published today. GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
