By Gareth Iacobucci
A series of reports commissioned by former health minister Lord Darzi have lifted the lid on the damaging rifts between doctors and managers caused by Government policy, including claims that the new GP contract has ‘demoralised' the profession.
The three reports, released via Freedom of Information to The Sunday Times, were commissioned by Lord Darzi from international consultancies to assess the NHS's progress prior to its 60th anniversary in 2008.
But the disclosure is the first time the findings have come to light.
One extract from a report quoted by the newspaper reads: ‘The GP and consultant contracts are de-professionalising, and have had the peculiar effect of simultaneously demoralising and enriching doctors. We've lost the volitional work of the doctors and far too many of us are now just working to rule.'
Lord Darzi
