Private providers threat reducing
Released 11/11/2008
Lack of profits keeping private firms out of primary care
The threat posed by private providers has reduced, according to GP leaders.
The claims were made by the GPC at a gathering of LMC secretaries in London.
Dr Peter Holden, GPC negotiator, said that the lack of profits to be made in general practice was deterring the private sector.
"Given who's tried and pulled out, it vindicates our view that general practice is not as easy as you think and there aren't the big profits to be made. That must send very big warning signals," said Holden.
The GPC's cause has been helped by the success of GP-led bidders for polyclinics.
Dr Gurmit Mahay of Wolverhampton LMC said: "I believe the eye of the storm has passed for GPs. Some major players are fast losing interest."