The GP Consortia

I think its common knowledge now that PCT's are on the way out and set to be replaced by consortia of GPs. More accurately put, to be replaced by groups of the more 'outspoken' breed of GPs, who want that little bit extra responsibilty.

In my personal view, most GPs will not go running to sign up to be part of these consortia. It has been hard enough trying to get GP practices to be more flexible with their opening times and to work weekends and now the government think they'll pick up this extra work with a cheery smile? 

GPs are good at being GPs. Why don't we let them do their jobs and stop trying to get them to become accountants and commissioners too.

If we're going to go for a consortia, shouldn't it contain more than just one profession anyway? Community pharmacists will be delivering some of the commissioned services so they should have a say on what is actually commissioned. The same goes for community nurses and midwives, not to mention social workers and headteachers etc.

A dozen professionals, a handful of lay members and some executive boffins to work out how to spread the cash around...sounds a little bit like what they're getting rid of to be honest.