Doctors voice reform concerns

Doctors are unimpressed by Gordon Brown's proposed NHS reforms

Tuesday, 08, Jan 2008 12:00

Doctors have voiced concern about the government's proposals to boost the NHS' emphasis on "preventative" healthcare.

The chairman of the British Medical Association's (BMA) GPs' committee, Dr Laurence Buckman, said he could not fully support Gordon Brown's initiative because of practical details "have not been properly thought through".

The prime minister is seeking to overhaul the NHS by re-emphasising the need for patients to take responsibility for their own health.

GPs will be expected to prescribe more activity-based treatments for certain illnesses and the link between lifestyle and certain conditions, like obesity, is to be played up, Mr Brown announced yesterday.

A constitution will enshrine the "responsibilities" as well as the "rights" of patients while the NHS will also meet the challenges of embracing new technology and "meeting rising expectations of healthcare".

Dr Buckman said the BMA had been disappointed by the lack of consultation the government had sought before embarking on its long-term strategy.

He highlighted an apparent U-turn from the Department of Health, which announced on December 21st plans to reduce care for patients with diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease and those at risk of strokes to pay for increased out-of-hours cover.

"Ironically when GPs offered to provide new screening services just two weeks ago, the government turned them down and threatened to withdraw the funding," he said.

"In particular, they said they did not want to increase the support given to the management of patients with kidney disease. They are clearly incapable of joining the dots when it comes to health policy."

On proposals to screen patients for earlier detection of disease, Dr Buckman warned the current shortage of staff for diagnostic scans means a major recruitment drive will be required.

"The implications for hospitals are also likely to be considerable should patients require further treatment and we hope the government has planned for the inevitable increase in hospital and laboratory services," he added.