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14/05/2003
GPs hear of 'dire' consequences if contract rejected
The chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee (GPC) has said that there would be "dire" consequences if GPs reject the new contract proposals.
At today's conference in London, Dr John Chisholm told more than 500 family doctors to focus on "long-term goals rather than short-term difficulties". He added that the decisions they were about to take were crucial to the future of general practice.
The proposed contract which, if adopted, may be introduced by April 2004, could see GP net incomes rise by more than a quarter over three years. The UK's 43,000 GP's will be balloted on the proposals, although a polling date has not yet been set.
Dr Chisholm said: "The consequences of rejection would be dire indeed – for GPs, for recruitment and retention into general practice, for patient care and for the NHS.
"By contrast, acceptance and implementation of the contract truly have the potential to create a regeneration in general practice, in which morale, recruitment and retention at last begin to improve. I am totally committed to securing those vital improvements."
GPs were told that the alternatives to a 'yes' vote were "bleak" as neither the GPC's alternatives to the contract nor the government's would be welcomed by most GPs.
The contract negotiations have been going on for three years now, but it could continue for longer still. A poll taken in March indicated that GPs were split halfway over the issue, and Dr Chisholm today said that he would not force a ballot until it was likely to result in a 'yes'. The contract proposes commitments to patients which some GPs maintain will prove financially harmful for smaller practices.
However, Dr Chisholm said that in spite of GPs being "undervalued for years", the new contract "offers the better incomes you are entitled to".
(GMcG)
At today's conference in London, Dr John Chisholm told more than 500 family doctors to focus on "long-term goals rather than short-term difficulties". He added that the decisions they were about to take were crucial to the future of general practice.
The proposed contract which, if adopted, may be introduced by April 2004, could see GP net incomes rise by more than a quarter over three years. The UK's 43,000 GP's will be balloted on the proposals, although a polling date has not yet been set.
Dr Chisholm said: "The consequences of rejection would be dire indeed – for GPs, for recruitment and retention into general practice, for patient care and for the NHS.
"By contrast, acceptance and implementation of the contract truly have the potential to create a regeneration in general practice, in which morale, recruitment and retention at last begin to improve. I am totally committed to securing those vital improvements."
GPs were told that the alternatives to a 'yes' vote were "bleak" as neither the GPC's alternatives to the contract nor the government's would be welcomed by most GPs.
The contract negotiations have been going on for three years now, but it could continue for longer still. A poll taken in March indicated that GPs were split halfway over the issue, and Dr Chisholm today said that he would not force a ballot until it was likely to result in a 'yes'. The contract proposes commitments to patients which some GPs maintain will prove financially harmful for smaller practices.
However, Dr Chisholm said that in spite of GPs being "undervalued for years", the new contract "offers the better incomes you are entitled to".
(GMcG)
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Department's figures do not give 'full picture', says BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA), while welcoming the increase in GP numbers, has said that the claims by the government "do not give the full picture".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
