Medical Protection Society Concerned At Plans For New GP Practice Regulator, UK
The Medical Protection Society (MPS) warns that new plans to regulate GP practices may result in unnecessary red tape. The warning followed today's announcement by the Government that GP practices may be regulated by the new super watchdog - the Care Quality Commission.

Commenting on today's announcement Dr Priya Singh, Medical Director said: "Everyone would agree that patients must be confident that they will receive the same quality of care, whether that is in a GP practice or a hospital. However, we are not convinced that bringing GP practices into a national regulatory framework is the right, or proportionate, approach. The majority of surgeries that we see instigate and maintain high standards. It is often the case that local governance is infinitely better placed to respond to the needs of local communities and individual patients."

"Clearly we will consider the consultation carefully and respond in detail to the proposals. However, at first glance we are concerned that meeting the demands of yet another regulatory body will be onerous and intrusive and may interfere with the running of already over-stretched GP practices."

"GP practices already face tough regulatory measures: the quality and safety of surgeries are subject to monitoring by PCTs and practices providing NHS services have a contractual obligation to meet certain standards. Adding yet another layer of regulation may be a needless duplication."

"It would be disappointing if, at a time when the government is encouraging GPs to open longer hours and make themselves more accessible, this proposal could result in more paperwork that will keep doctors away from their patients."

Notes

1. Regulating GP practices is one of a number of proposals in a Department of Health consultation about the way in which health and social care providers will be required to register with the Care Quality Commission when it is established in 2009. You can access the full consultation via this link.

About MPS

The Medical Protection Society is the leading provider of comprehensive professional indemnity and expert advice to doctors, dentists and health professionals around the world.

We are a mutual, not-for-profit organisation offering 250,000 members help with legal and ethical problems that arise from their professional practice. This includes clinical negligence claims, complaints, medical council inquiries, legal and ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, inquests and fatal-accident inquiries.

Fairness is at the heart of how we conduct our business. We actively protect and promote the interests of members and the wider profession. Equally, we believe that patients who have suffered harm from negligent treatment should receive fair compensation. We promote safer practice by running risk management and education programmes to reduce avoidable harm.

MPS is not an insurance company. The benefits of membership are discretionary - this allows us the flexibility to provide help and support even in unusual circumstances.