28 March 2012

GPs With Shares In Private Health Firms Could Profit From Conflict

Concerns have been raised over GPs holding shares in private healthcare firms which, as they are about to take control of £60bn of NHS funding, could see them profiting from direct conflicts of interest.

Research shows that in 22 of the new clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), at least half and sometimes all of the GPs that dominate their boards have a personal financial interest in a private or other non-NHS provider.

Doctors’ leaders have warned that these conflicts could lead to patients distrusting doctors and to more NHS services being taken over by private operators.

Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "The fact that GPs have these outside interests may influence their commissioning decisions, and may put at risk their relationship with their patients because the patient might mistrust where they are being sent to for treatment and the GP's motives."

Adding "It may also damage the NHS because having many different providers will increase costs and fragment care, which means patients will lose out."

One of the few official advocates for the NHS overhaul, Johnny Marshall, chairman of the National Association of Primary Care admitted GPs performing both roles could cause problems.

"It's really important as a public body from a conflicts-of-interest point of view that we end up operating above reproach and suspicion. We can't find ourselves in the position where there's a perception among patients that the decisions we are taking about their care are influenced by personal financial gain."

Marshall called on ministers to use the 12 months before the new NHS set-up starts to ensure tough mechanisms, consistent with the Nolan principles used elsewhere in public life, are put in place to avoid problems.

The health and social care bill that enshrines the new clinical commissioning groups finally became law on Tuesday, receiving royal assent after 14 months of political intrigue. Labour MPs shouted "shame" when the news was announced in the Commons.

(H)