News

GPs in outright opposition to health reforms

Released 03/02/2012

Royal College of GPs calls for the controversial Health Bill to be scrapped and says it will no longer work with the Government on reforms

Economic crisis is hitting patients hard

Released 01/02/2012

A significantly higher number of patients have visited GP practices with depression or stress-related symptoms since the beginning of the economic downturn, a survey has revealed

NHS executives do not see patient waiting time as a priority

Released 31/01/2012

The NHS are aware of the importance of reducing patient waiting times, but do not prioritise it, reveals survey

More NHS reform in five years “guaranteed”

Released 31/01/2012

Editors of three leading healthcare publications have stated the NHS may need another overhaul in five years if the Health Bill goes through, calling for a public debate on the reform

High burnout levels in GP practices

Released 31/01/2012

Burnout levels of healthcare workers and family doctors are high in UK GP practices, a study of the south east has revealed

NHS Direct 111 pilots hit by series of safety alerts

Released 31/01/2012

A Pulse investigation has uncovered a series of safety alerts across the Government’s NHS 111 pilots and concerns GP commissioners are being excluded from the rollout, which have prompted the GPC to demand the programme be put on hold.

MP calls for fairer funding for local practices

Released 30/01/2012

Gloucestershire MP calls on PCT to perform an “urgent review” of practice funding in the area – PCT is ‘tied’ by national contracts

Communication ‘top risk’ for UK general practices

Released 30/01/2012

Patient and staff communication, confidentiality, health and safety, prescribing and record keeping all make the list of top worries for GP practices

CCGs ready to take commissioning budgets

Released 26/01/2012

Almost all CCGS are ready to take on commissioning budgets this April after passing their strategic health authority risk assessments

CQC to inspect one in 10 GP practices

Released 25/01/2012

As many as 10% of all GP practices “in danger of non-compliance” are to be inspected by the CQC, the healthcare regulator has revealed

NHS 111: lost in translation?

Released 25/01/2012

Survey of clinical commissioners reveals lack of engagement

GPs want more information on commissioning

Released 23/01/2012

Over half of GPs want to know more about commissioning, according to a survey

Practices forced to axe staff due to funding

Released 23/01/2012

As many as one in five GP practices are being forced to sack receptionists, nurses and even salaried GPs as a result of the funding squeeze on primary care, a survey reveals

CCGs need to control 50% of budget to be approved

Released 23/01/2012

PCTs will need to let go of half of the commissioning budget by the summer if CCGs are to qualify, says chairman of NHS alliance

Not enough GPs for on call service

Released 23/01/2012

A quarter of out-of-hours shifts are unfilled says survey