18 February 2005
The National Audit Office is considering launching an inquiry into the funding of GP out-of-hours care after it was claimed that cuts were compromising the quality of the service.
Since December, responsibility for organising evening, weekend and bank holiday care passed from GPs to primary care trusts. In the past, many GPs formed not-for-profit co-operatives to cover out-of-hours and almost 50% of PCTs have hired co-ops under the new system. However, the National Association of GP Co-operatives said this week that patient care was suffering as PCTs cut corners. Spending varied from £5 to £15 per head.
The association has asked the NAO to investigate out-of-hours funding and whether PCTs were keeping adequate numbers of GPs on duty. The audit body has agreed to consider an inquiry.
'A number of co-operatives are suffering cash problems – either they are going to have to cut back on the quality of services or they are going to fold,' said NAGPC chair Dr Mark Reynolds. He claimed one co-operative in North Yorkshire had already folded.
The Department of Health said out-of-hours funding had increased by £316m as part of the new arrangements and it had no evidence the service was failing.
The NHS Alliance, which represents PCTs, said its members reported an average shortfall of £250,000. But this imbalance should end with extra government funding and the greater use of nurses and paramedics.
PFfeb2005
