DAUK has written to NHS England to express ‘significant concerns’ about the expansion of groups involved in GP contract discussions.
In a letter to Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s primary care director, DAUK has given its full support to the BMA GP Committee England (BMA GPC).
The letter states the BMA GPC, as the trade union that has held the statutory right to negotiate GP contracts since the foundation of the NHS, should remain the exclusive negotiator when it comes to the terms under which GPs work.
GP contract discussions
It follows an announcement by Dr Doyle that the groups consulted on changes to the contract would be expanded. This would significantly dilute the BMA’s role.
Alongside the BMA GPC, the RCGP, the National Association of Primary Care, Healthwatch England, National Voices, and the NHS Confederation would also be consulted.
Dr Steve Taylor, DAUK GP co-lead, said: “We wanted to make it clear that the BMA is the correct and legally-established organisation to negotiate the GP contract.
High-quality care
“It is best placed to ensure the contract is workable for GPs and delivers safe, high-quality care for patients.”
Dr Taylor noted that the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has stated that GP contract negotiations are not their role.
In the letter, DAUK stressed that constructive evidence from across the system should inform any new contract.
DAUK has published Your GP, here for you, a modern patient-centred GP contract designed to strengthen continuity, improve access, and ensure GP services are properly funded.
The document was written after consultation with GPs, health leaders and the public. It builds on the 2022 cross-party Health and Social Care Committee review The Future of General Practice.
Your GP, here for you
Your GP, here for you has quickly gained the support of many GP leaders, the public, and health leaders.
Dr Taylor said: “We’ve already been consulting widely. It’s vital that the full range of available evidence is used.”
He added: “We want to see contracts that reflect the realities of general practice, not compromises forced through around a diluted table.”
Read the letter in full below.
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New_NHSE_GP_contract_letter
