Unclear GP contracts are ‘mucking patients about’

[dutchman]

Four GPs see their contracts expire in March 2020



An NHS system which has put four Coventry GPs on time-limited contracts has been criticised for ‘mucking patients about’.

The future of four Coventry GPs is unclear as their fixed-term five-year Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) contracts expire in March 2020.

Stoke Aldermoor Surgery, Foleshill Surgery, Broad Lane Surgery and the City of Coventry Healthcare Centre could close if suitable providers are not found.

And while Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group has said it is to re-procure contracts to ensure services are delivered there, uncertainty over their futures and possible displacement of patients has been criticised.

Speaking at a health scrutiny board meeting at Coventry City Council on Wednesday, October 30, Cllr Hazel Sweet said she had “disdain” at the process, branding it “disgraceful”.

She said: “Patients get used to that GP and prefer to go to that GP.

“The fact that this could close in March without any further contingency plans is a real worry, not only for what is going to happen to the patients and where they are going to be shifted to, but also to the families as well.

“A lot of patient care is based on faith and trust of that GP so to mix and match and muck them about, without any specific reasons other than it is against the rules. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”