RCGP warning over pace of commissioning plans

By Steve Nowottny

The RCGP has expressed ‘major concerns' about the pace and cost of plans for GPs to take on a commissioning role, after a summit of council members to discuss the Government's plans.

The meeting of the college's council today followed six weeks of consultation with RCGP members across the UK and comes as the college prepares to submit an official response to the Government on the white paper proposals next month.

In a statement, the college said: ‘The RCGP is confident that GPs will rise to the challenges presented by the White Paper, but we need to do so in a considered, patient-centred and value-driven way, and in collaboration with our specialist colleagues.'

‘However council did express major concerns about some aspects of the policy outlined in the papers.'

Areas of concern listed included ‘the pace of change', ‘the cost of change', ‘disruption to existing management structures and relationships in local health communities where good practice already exists' and ‘the increasing role of commercial organisations in the provision of care.'

The RCGP council also discussed plans for the establishment of an education and training programme to cover GP commissioning.

A top line-up of expert speakers – including Andrew Lansley, Sir David Nicholson and Mark Britnell - will be addressing the latest developments in GP commissioning at the NAPC Annual Conference in Birmingham in October.

To find out more and book your place today please click here.