Concern over how developing CCGs will performance manage practices and engage with grassroots GPs is set to dominate the upcoming national LMCs conference next month.
The debates will take place against a backdrop of fears that LMCs are being sidelined from decision making and their role will be diluted in the new NHS.
A motion from Lewisham LMC says CCGs ‘should have no role in the performance management of the GP contract', while a motion from Wessex LMCs calls for CCGs to ‘consult LMCs in the same way health bodies now'.
Liverpool LMC has tabled a motion calling for LMCs to be invited to attend CCG governing body meetings, while Manchester LMC wants conference to back a motion that ‘deplores the side-lining of LMCs by PCT clusters, as LMCs, not CCGs, are the representatives of GPs.'
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxon LMC has put forward a motion warning that shadow CCGs ‘have a tendency to mimic their predecessor PCTs', and ‘vary in their adherence to democratic principles'.
Dr Duncan Walling, a GP in Wilton, Wiltshire and medical director of Wessex LMCs, said it was vital that LMCs were not by-passed in the new NHS. He said: ‘At the moment there are provisions for the NHS Commissioning Board to consult with LMCs, but not for CCGs to consult with LMCs.'
The national LMCs conference, which will also hear debates on key issues such as pensions, GP workload and the rollout of 111, is due to take place in Liverpool on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May.
