Michael Leuty wrote:
>
> I think that reverting to the DDRB is a backward step. We should be
> insisting on inflation-linked rise in global sums, and no additions to
> QOF without more points. One of the key benefits of the new contract
> was "no new work without new money". Unless we take a firm line on
> that, we will find ourselves working harder and harder to prevent our
> income falling.
>
Well, how could the silly old GPC not have thought of these obvious
ideas. The problem is that the NHS Employers backed by the DH don't see
it that way - they offered us a brilliant deal using money recycled from
elsewhere in our contract and entailing more work to be included in a
new improved QOF. They have developed a new improved Global Sum Formula
involving a recycling of money but no more than there is in the pool at
the moment.
> I'm sure the GPC are well aware of all this, but fear that GPs would
> not back them up with industrial action.
Too right. No fear involved mate!
> I wonder if we would. There
> seems to be more scope at present to upset Government plans without
> harming patients.
The evidence is that practices when offered 50p to do £1 worth of work
with no apparent patient benefit will scramble after the 50p and then
complain that it has cost them £1 to do the work and what is someone
else going to do about it. The only time I ever thought GPs would take
industrial action was in 1995 before the OOH settlement, and I think HMG
did too, hence the settlement. Things are going to get worse before
there is enough collective pain for action. Maybe 2008 when we have two
years of falling incomes and increasingly oppressive NHS management?
No wonder people are putting it in the bank not into the practice. I
would do the same if I were not so footloose and fancy free ;-)
Fay
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