News date: April 2008
Tender Spot
The PCT is advertising for a provider for a GP led Health Centre development on Wirral. This centre will provide care 8am to 10pm 7 days per week. It will provide equitable access for all.
The expressed aims of the PCT are to fulfill the request from the DoH to set up one of these centres. Other aims are to minimise the effect of this centre on the current local health care economy.
The worry about this centre and any service opened out to tender is that a company such as Assura Medical, United Health Europe, or Chilvers Macrae would come in and establish a bridgehead to push for more and more of the local budget. Other organisations such as Virgin healthcare, Boots, and even Sainsburies or Tesco are also thought to be interested in these developments.
Interested Parties have until May2nd to inform the PCT
Open All Hours ? more
The tale about extended hours is set to continue as the BMA counts the results of its 'survey of opinion'. The survey angered some GPs who felt the questions were structured to engineer a specific result.
The negotiators originally baulked at agreeing to rearranging opening hours to give the government more opening structured in a specific way. They decided to ask members of the GPC before continuing.Following this there has been some considerable debate.
The worry is that the intention is simply to replace GMS/PMS lead by professionals with a system of corporate providers. This could be enabled by both option A and the 'or else' option B.
Perhaps sometimes it is important to reframe the question by your answer. We may be Turkeys but we do not wish to vote for Christmas or Thanksgiving even turkeys would realise that is not a choice.
Wirral salaried, sessional, and nonprincipal GPs
What meetings do you go to? What times do you find easiest to make?. Are you interested in hearing from experts? Do you want sponsorship?Is mentorship valuable? Is a small group useful for you?
Which subjects are most interesting?
If you are interested in discussing the future of GP meetings on the Wirral please contact me on david @wirralgp.org.uk. Thank you.
GPs on the Wirral have meetings through the year if there are any you would like people to know about please let us know. In addition if there is anything you think could be of use please email us on news@wirralgp.org.uk.