Robbie - thanks for your comments.
You mention the reasons why OOH service is so difficult to provide. I agree
entirely. However the days are gone, when it was ok to provide 24 hour GP
cover. Expectations have now changed, partly due to the Politicians stating
that this is the 'kind of service we do provide'. I also believe that a
break down in social structure has impacted all aspects of health and social
care systems. This leads to the 'front line', picking up the pieces.
Continuing the discussion on the 'Contract', shouldn't we all be looking at
similar 'Contracts'. Why are there negotiations for GP's, and negotiations
for hospital based Consultants - surely GP's are Consultants/Specialists in
there own right. And hence should have similar packages.
You can't compare an A&E Consultant directly with a Consultant Dermatologist
for example, but the package would be the same.
A&E Consultants have a total responsibilty for the care of patients using
their services, likewise a GP and their list.
Why then are there different negotiations, if the defined responsibilies are
similar?
And yes, I know that all this is compounded, by the fact that GP's 'run
their own business', with all the complexities surrounding this.
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