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Press release: Statement on status of GMS negotiations09 Jan 2007 Dr Barbara Hakin, Chair of NHS Employers GMS negotiating team said: "Since last summer we have been talking regularly with the GPC about making changes to the GMS contract from April this year. We had hoped that these discussions would result in changes which would mean better services for patients, fair reward for the profession and would represent good value to the public purse. "We believe there was potential to make significant investment available to general practice across the UK in return for efficiencies across the contract in line with expectations of other parts of the NHS and delivery of further services to patients. Unfortunately, despite months of discussion, GPC have made clear that we are unlikely to reach a negotiated agreement in time for April implementation and I have reported this back to the Department of Health. I am disappointed that we have been unable to reach a settlement for 2007/08 and that this potential investment may now be lost to general practice. This will no doubt be of great concern to all parties who want to ensure the continued development of the GMS contract. However we are still in discussion with the GPC about other GMS issues such as the outcome of the formula review. I also expect the background work to ensure ongoing improvement to QOF to continue. "GPs have seen significant increases in their earnings as a result of contract changes introduced in 2004 and 2005. Recent figures on GP earnings have confirmed this fact. In the current climate of NHS financial difficulties it is crucial that any contract changes are affordable, deliver the same efficiencies as are expected from the rest of the NHS and drive up standards of patient care. I remain willing to continue talks with the GPC to reach the basis for an agreement which will deliver these aims." Notes for editors
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For out of hours media enquiries, please contact the duty press officer on 07880 500726. Last reviewed 10 Jan 2007 |
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