CCGs must ‘answer GP fears’ over NHS reforms
CCG leaders must answer GP’s fears that they will be blamed for cuts and privatisation of NHS services, NHS Alliance chair Dr Michael Dixon has said.
In his keynote speech to open the annual NHS Alliance conference in Bournemouth today, he said that some health professionals have ‘legitimate concerns’ over the new system but that it is up to commissioning leaders to ensure that the frontline is motivated to realise the potential of clinical commissioning, which NHS Alliance has fought to bring for over a decade.
He said: ‘Clinical commissioners must now work as hard as possible to ensure their frontline clinicians are motivated, effective and, dare I say it, happy in their new commissioning role.’
‘Those GPs, nurses and other clinicians have legitimate concerns. Some feel that they have got too much on their hands already. Some think they will be blamed if resources and services are less than expected. Some fear that their relationship with patients will be compromised. Others suspect this is the beginning of widespread NHS privatisation.
‘We must answer these fears. Explain and show how every clinician now has a real chance to make a real difference for every patient.’
He also urged the DH and the National Commissioning Board to allow CCGs to retain their freedom, warning against becoming a ‘grand inquisitor’ as opposed to a ‘grand protector’.
Dr Dixon unveiled plans for the NHS Alliance to work together with the Nuffield Trust and the King’s Fund to put together a ‘manifesto for the future’ for the NHS that will be published in March 2013.
He said: ‘What will primary care and the future NHS look like? Next March, we will gather together all the words and aspirations of this conference and the conversations that follow from it to produce a piece of work, in partnership with the Nuffield Trust and King’s Fund, that will lead the future. A manifesto for that future.’
Readers' comments (9)
Gary Young22 Nov 2012 9:38am
Does Dr Dixon have any suggestions has how GPs should avoid being blamed when resources and services are less than patients expect, their relationship with patients is compomised as a result and we see widespread fragmentation and privatisation, for example through enforced AQP?
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Anonymous22 Nov 2012 12:14pm
I doubt it because GP's as holders of the purs strings via CCG's are now responsible for implementing government policy.
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Anonymous22 Nov 2012 12:40pm
And, of course, that was always the key political intention of the legislation. No point looking for comfort now, the job is done!
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Anonymous22 Nov 2012 1:24pm
A few weeks ago i did a quick check of the CCG where Mike Dixon's practice is in Devon. There was no sign of his name in any of the key roles on the CCG Board.
This was very curious given how much comment he has made on the issue of CCGs and the Health Bill
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Jb Pittard22 Nov 2012 1:33pm
The current NHS legislation is the equivalent of being given your own flat pack coffin , then building it yourself...
What's swedish for one piece missing???
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Anonymous22 Nov 2012 2:41pm
So what would it take for Dr Dixon and his NHS Alliance chums to concede every other professional organisation may have been right in opposing these reforms?
Their arrogance in dismissing all concerns is coming home to roost, not just for them but for all GPs, and their patients.
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Sofia Lind23 Nov 2012 12:02pm
jb Pittard: En bit saknas, actually.
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Mary Hawking24 Nov 2012 9:05am
What if the fears are realistic - and the outcomes we are faced with inevitable?
I resigned from NHS Alliance because of their support for the Act - and Andrew Lansley decided my date of retirement: nothing that has happened since has changed my mind.
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Anonymous19 Dec 2012 11:36am
mike dixons comments above are nothing more than a lot of hot air
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