Top down pressures from PCTs are already stoking resentment says a Family Doctor Association spokesman.

Already there is evidence accumulating to suggest that PCTs are responding to the White Paper by organising top down approaches to GP Commissioning Groups.

In his letter[1] to Chief Executives dated 13^th July, David Nicholson highlights the importance of subsidiarity.  “Things should be done at the right level. Where necessary, the centre will play an enabling role, but wherever possible, the details of implementation will be determined locally by patients and clinicians.”

Dr Michael Taylor, Family Doctor Association spokesman said, “It has only been a week since the publication of the White Paper Liberating the NHS and already there are worrying signs of PCTs encouraging GP apathy and stoking up resentment.  We are most concerned and are therefore conducting an urgent survey of our membership.”