Charities' fear over safety risks

FAMILY doctors will be given huge powers over how the NHS operates in one of the biggest reorganisations in the service's history.

Tiers of regional management will be abolished and replaced by consortia of GPs, who will get NHS cash to commission services.

Designed to reduce bureaucracy, the move has been welcomed by medical professionals.

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However, the announcement drew warnings from medical charities that GPs' lack of commissioning experience could endanger some patients.

Children's Heart Federation chief executive Anne Keatley-Clarke said: "Let's remember that many GPs are businessmen running as independent contractors, and may well be looking at how they can maximise profits.

"We must not sacrifice care in a scramble to save management costs."

Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Ciaran Devane said: "It's clear GPs don't yet have the expertise to commission the full range of services needed for complex diseases like cancer. GPs will need specialist support and advice."

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