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Tragedy GP attacks Tory out-of-hours plans

By Richard Staines

The GP son of David Gray, the out-of-hours patient who died at the hands of German locum Dr Daniel Ubani, has criticised Conservative plans to hand GPs responsibility for services, claiming they would not have prevented his father's death.

Dr Stuart Gray, who practices in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, has written an exclusive article for PulseToday, in which he claims the move is just a 'soundbite'.

Writing after the inquest into the death of his father - due to a diamorphine overdose administered by Dr Ubani - Dr Gray says it is crucial GPs do not go back to being overworked and overtired.

'The Conservatives want it handed back to GPs but, although it would no doubt be a popular soundbite to give to the public, going back to the pre-opt-out days would be a retrograde step,' he writes.

'I recall sleeping in a sleeping bag in the surgery during my out-of-hours shifts and doing surgeries after being on call all weekend. I am sure most of us would not feel a return to those days progressive.'

But Dr Gray adds that GP cooperatives, allowing GPs working out-of-hours time off in lieu, could be a solution.

Dr Stuart Gray is sceptical about Conservative plans for GPs to take back responsibility for commissioning out-of-hours care Dr Stuart Gray is sceptical about Conservative plans for GPs to take back responsibility for commissioning out-of-hours care The full article

To read the full article by Dr Stuart Gray, pleaseclick here.