Performing bariatric surgery on people with type 2 diabetes can reduce patients’ dependence on medications and results in lower use of healthcare and costs, according to the results of a large US study.
Senior GPs have urged the profession not to turn their backs on the Government’s radical White Paper reforms, with one GP leader warning it would be ‘utterly disastrous’ if GPs fail to engage with the plans.
GPs at the first Darzi centre in England to face closure by a cash-strapped PCT have vowed to fight to stay open - insisting they provide a cheaper service than neighbouring GP practices.
Exclusive: GPs north of the border will be able to opt-out of the patient survey this year, after the Scottish Government decided to scale back the controversial scheme and make it optional.
NHS managers are ploughing ahead with plans for massive cutbacks to services in the face of GP opposition - despite health secretary Andrew Lansley’s claim that GPs should have the final say over any major service reconfiguration.
The current state of GP commissioning is weak and GPs are likely to take ‘several years’ to develop the adequate skills to hold the £80bn purse strings of the NHS, according to a health policy think-tank.
Experts have demanded urgent action by the Government, after draft NICE guidance recommended GPs refer more children with suspected food allergies to specialist services.
Frantic behind-the-scenes talks are being held between national GP groups in a seemingly impossible bid to reach some consensus over the Government’s plans for commissioning.
Up to a third of GPs’ referrals face being rejected by their local commissioning consortium in the ‘Arctic’ financial conditions predicted for the NHS, according to a new report by the King’s Fund.