Friday, January 18, 2013

Patients Association concerned over negative effects from GP contract changes.


The Patients Association has criticised the Government for failing to consider ‘first and foremost’ the impact the GP contract changes, set to be implemented in April, would have on patient care.
Chief executive Kate Murphy claimed that the Patients Association helpline had already received record numbers of calls concerning GP services and she was worried the Government’s proposed changed would make matters worse.
Pulse revealed that a fifth of GPs will consider cutting the number of routine appointments available when the proposed contract changes are implemented from April.
Commenting on the figures in the Express, Mrs Murphy said: ‘Less GPs, fewer receptionists and a cut in appointments can only risk reducing further the quality of services for patients.
‘The Government must consider the impact on patients first and foremost as part of any discussions on changes to GP contracts.’

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