Simon Child wrote:
> Well I've just finished reading it through (I did skim over a few
> clauses...)
>
> Clause 255 seems to allow them to allocate us patients anywhere within
> the PCT area, with no reference to *our* defined catchment area. This
> is not good given that we are in the North of our PCT, and the PCT
> area extends about 10 miles to the south (and in case any of you rural
> types think 10 miles isn't far, think in terms of having to drive
> through three town centres to reach the southern end of the
> patch).
>
> Clause 439, particularly 439.2 seems to oblige us to complete whatever
> and however many questionnaires/audits/etc the PCT choose to send to
> us?
>
> Clause 441 likewise in relation to the PCT Patient's Forum (whatever
> that
> is?)
>
> Clause 442 seems to protect only living individuals and allow free
> rein on information regarding deceased ex-patients.
Very helpful Simon, as always. I didn't feel able or qualified to
interpret this tome, full of legal phraseology as it is. Reminded me of
the Alan Clark diaries (hilarious and not to be missed - just as good as
Yes Minister) when he talks in awe of his department's skill at being to
render any given document completely unintelligible!
I do not have the small print to hand, but I would not be happy to put
my signature to these particular clauses as you describe them. I seem to
remember Fay mentioning that those shrinking their practice areas might
be doing so in vain. But being obliged to take patients from anywhere in
the PCT is plain bonkers isn't it? It can take us over an hour to drive
to Fulham in the rush hour (a continuum in London these days). What then
is the purpose of having a defined practice area at all? Does it affect
our responsibility to TRs?
Hopefully having included the default disclaimer with our signatures,
the process of resuscitating this contract will continue. Presumably
this be will be done centrally on our behalf (it would make little sense
to have thousands of clauses negotiated individually between practices
and PCTs, other than where these define non-core work arrangements). So
has a list of items been drawn up which our negotiators will be pressing
for?
Laurie
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