Heathcare reforms place GPs ‘at breaking point’

The union has expressed anger at the changes, saying they would increase the workload for GPs. It said many practices are “stretched to breaking point”, and accused ministers of ignoring the pressure already being felt by GPs.

While the specific details about the contract changes have not yet been set out, a Department of Health (DoH) spokeswoman said the move would include a 1.5 per cent uplift for GP practice income – which would include a one per cent pay rise for GPs and practice staff.

She said the changes would also see an end to financial rewards for organisational tasks like good record-keeping.

Financial rewards will instead be given for following guidance from the health watchdog – the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, she said.

The new measures would improve care for patients with long-term conditions and help to prevent unnecessary emergency admissions to hospital, the spokeswoman added.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Putting patients first is our priority and I make no apology for this.

“The GP contract needs to change so that it further improves care for patients.

“Our population is living longer and an increasing number of people have long term conditions. By 2018 those with one or more long term condition is set to rise to 2.9m.

“Our proposals will help ensure that we provide the very best care and support possible for those at most risk of life-threatening conditions. We want to drive up standards for all and want the contract to reflect the most up-to-date expert guidance and excellent standards of care.

“We want the BMA to work with us on making this happen, but will not back away from making changes that will deliver better care for patients.”

Dr Laurence Buckman, chair of the BMA’s GP committee, said: “The implications of the Government’s new proposals for general practice are likely to be huge, and we will be examining the consequences of this threatened imposition so that we can fully inform the profession and public as soon as possible.

“There are serious question marks over whether some of the intended changes are based on sound clinical evidence or are practical or feasible.

“The Government is being disingenuous in its presentation of how we have arrived at this point. GPs will be stunned 
and angered that the Government is disregarding five months of detailed negotiations between the BMA and NHS employers which was in its final stages just a couple of weeks ago.”

The DoH spokeswoman said it is still hoped that an agreement can be reached with the BMA over the proposed changes.