The future of General Practice.....local GP versus Darzi style polyclinic....any thoughts?

[DarrellRivers]

I think these two articles try to balance the discussion.
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article3405069.ece
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/david_aaronovitch/article3393128.ece

GPs extended hours is one thing, the other matter of what is happening to primary care seems to be ignored generally.
What do people really think?
Do you really think that multi-nationals running GPs will improve services and care>??????????
That they won't really only be interested in shareholders and profits.
I don't think they'll provide better care at the same cost, I think it will cost the NHS dear in the long run.
PFIs are already a big tax burden for the next 20 years.
GPs are small businesses and they like making a profit as well, don't get me wrong,but are mostly motivated by providing good primarty care for their patients
I can't help feeling uneasy that the NHS is slowly but surely being privatised.

I remember reading these articles when they were first published. Aaronovitch is talking complete rubbish - anyone who thinks GPs are 'inexpert' is frankly an idiot.

I think the government is basically instigating a smear campaign against GPs right now, insinuating that they are greedy and lazy, in order to turn public opinion against them so that they can justify bringing in these polyclinics. I come across GPs through work, and granted there are all sorts as in any walk of life, but in my experience, the vast majority are incredibly hard working, caring people who are trying to look after their patients as best they can whilst having to jump constantly through hoops.

They are very well paid, but they earn their money by hitting the government's targets and after all, the new contract was offered by the government and merely accepted by the GPs.

I agree that these polyclinics are going to cost us dear and I'll be surprised if they provide the value for money the propaganda would have you believe.