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GPC invites views on NHS reforms

By Pat Anderson

GPs have been invited to contribute to a formal GPC submission to the Government's 'listening exercise' on NHS reform.

Last month the Government announced a 'pause' in the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill and set up the NHS Future Forum, a panel of clinicians and other stakeholders, to undertake the listening exercise.

The GPC says it will send its views to the forum by the end of May, based on existing policy and what its members say.

It says it is 'determined to clarify and represent the views of all GPs to the Government', reflecting diversity of opinion as well as being clear on areas where the profession agrees on concerns.

The GPC is asking GPs to fill out a feedback form to be found at www.bma.org.uk/listening, no later than 19 May, and to ask colleagues to do the same.

The BMA says doctors' biggest concerns to date are the 'negative impact of enforced competition' on the development of services, contradictions in the proposals on the autonomy and responsibilities of commissioning consortia, the risks inherent in the speed and process of change for NHS providers, and the 'very unclear future for high quality medical education and training'.

GPs can also send their views direct to the forum by clicking here