I mentioned the proposed ballot of Portsmouth GPs.
Here's the final version put to LMC today. Intended to go out next week. I
believe it's the best way to get a national ballot.
Local Medical Committees should reflect local GP opinion. National GMSC
policy should reflect local GP opinion and the annual conference of LMCs is
not the only medium for GMSC to divine what we think. To rely solely on the
annual conference would be to shackle ourselves with too long a feedback
loop.
Ballot on PCGs
These questions have been designed to measure local GPs' opinion on the
formation of Primary Care Groups, as proposed in the Government White Paper
"The New NHS" and in the official documents that have followed. They do not
cover all of the issues. No doubt some issues have been omitted which GPs
will consider of major importance - hopefully these will be few. The
questions have been tested on a number of GPs for their wording and
impartiality. We have also taken advice from Portsmouth University.
Please answer as many questions as you can. If you really cannot answer a
question because you feel it is unsatisfactory, leave it blank and answer
others that you are more comfortable with. You may suggest an alternative
wording (on the back of the sheet), which will be noted and sent to the GMSC
for their information.
Please urge all of your colleagues to complete the questions and return them
to the LMC as soon as possible. The worst outcome is a low response rate,
which diminishes the democratic process and may be seized upon by others as
an indication of apathy amongst GPs.
Whatever your views, please use this opportunity to let your colleagues and
your LMC know how you feel.
* Please read all of the questions through before starting to answer them,
in case perceived ambiguities are dealt with in later questions.
* For each question, circle the option which is closest to your viewpoint.
1. On the basis of information currently available from official sources,
please indicate your views on the formation of a Primary Care Group in your
area.
(Please circle one option)
Strongly support Support Oppose Strongly oppose
2. If a Primary Care Group is established in your area, how do you feel cash
limited GMS funds (such as computer, premises and staff reimbursement)
should be treated? (Please circle one option)
Should be
ring-fenced from money for patient services.
Should not be
3. It has been proposed that the BMA/GMSC hold a national ballot of GPs to
assess their support or opposition with regard to the formation of Primary
Care Groups. Would you support a proposal to hold such a ballot?
(Please circle one option)
Strongly support Support Oppose Strongly oppose
4. Setting aside for a moment the existence or not of a Primary Care Group
in your area, how do you feel about working more closely with local
practices in developing service provision? (Please circle one option)
Strongly support Support Oppose Strongly oppose
5. How do you feel about the future role of your Local Medical Committee
(LMC) in representing your views on the development of primary care
services, for example to the Primary Care Group? Would you prefer it to have
a greater or lesser role in the future? (Please circle one option)
Much greater Greater Lesser Much lesser
6. What are your views on holding budgetary responsibility for the provision
of healthcare for your patients? Would you prefer more or less budgetary
responsibility than at present? (Please circle one option)
Much more More Less Much less
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