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What they say: read all the reaction to the Government’s pathfinder announcements

Read reaction from the RCGP, BMA and other bodies following the Government announcement of the first 52 GP pathfinder consortia

'We are not surprised at the number of GPs getting involved with commissioning. Many GPs have recognised that they will need to be at the heart of this programme for it to work. The BMA has cautioned all groups, both those coming forward as pathfinders and those still emerging, that they need to be flexible and be able to adapt to the legislation as it develops.' Dr Richard Vautrey, GPC deputy chair

'These pathfinder consortia present a welcome opportunity to test the commissioning waters, and to begin ironing out the specific issues that GPs have raised. Good commissioning is all about being a good GP; General Practitioners are best placed to understand, plan and deliver what our patients need from their local services.' Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP chair

'While concerns about changes to our beloved NHS are understandable (especially for staff in PCTs), this is about learning lessons across the whole of England to develop clinically-led commissioning. The range of pathfinder consortia's sizes and shapes (organisationally) shows that the era of ‘one-size-fits-all, dictated-from-Whitehall' is over for good. We applaud the Secretary of State's courage and resolve in standing by his statements that the NHS should not be run from the centre, but led locally.' Dr Michael Dixon, NHS Alliance chair

'Today's development presents a real opportunity to drive up the quality of services both in primary and secondary care, while at the same time, eliminating waste, duplication, and interventions of dubious value.' Dr Johnny Marshall, NAPC chair

'It is positive that so many groups of GPs have come forward as pathfinders, covering very different populations, both in their natures, size and geography. This gives the government a better chance of learning practical lessons about the different potential models of consortia. ... It will also be important that the pathfinders are properly evaluated and the learning is used to inform the future roll-out of consortia.' Chris Ham, King's Fund chief executive

Dr Richard Vautrey Do you have the knowledge and expertise to make a success of commissioning?

Attend the Essential Commissioning Skills seminar on 15 February (London) and 03 March (Manchester) to gain advice and guidance to adapt to change and meet the challenges ahead.
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