The Family Doctor Association welcomes the principles underlying the reform of the National Health Service as laid out in the White Paper, published on Monday 12^th July 2010. The Association endorses:

• the focus on citizens, patients and carers
• clinicians in the driving seat,
• elimination of unnecessary targets and the use of outcome measures
• the reduction in bureaucracy
• the reduction in scope for “ frequent and arbitrary political meddling.”
• no further major changes for the duration of this Parliament
• public health services to be devolved to local government.

Our reservations
The Family Doctor Association recognises that these major reforms are to be put in place at a time of swinging cuts in national budgets and services; that despite the annual increases pledged for the lifetime of this Parliament that great efficiency savings will need to be made. The Government has placed great store by the fact that the reforms will “create the largest social enterprise sector in the world.” It places faith that competition and a greater commercialisation will deliver both increasing effectiveness and large efficiency savings.  This is a big ask and is our Association’s reservation.

The devil is in the detail
This Association awaits with interest the supporting documents as laid out in theTimetable for action (6.11) and the renegotiation of the GP Contract.

Working with the Department of Health
The Family Doctor Association will continue to work with the Department of Health at our regular meetings and with other organisations, to preserve what is good and otherwise enhance and liberate the NHS.

Our members ARE the voice of grass roots general practice
You will receive a quick questionnaire next week to tell us what you think about the White Paper. Our members are the voice of grass roots general practice.  Through our national membership we shall work co-operatively with clinical and non-clinical colleagues to help deliver the White Paper’s vision that once again the NHS will be the envy of the world.  Do email us your comments now.

Proud to be family doctors