Author: Andy Cowper

The Department of Health has launched ExpressLIFT, a new national procurement procedure for primary care premises – but there is no new money being made available.

GSK UK has announced forthcoming changes to its medicine distribution service, which has prompted concerns among community pharmacy representatives.

A new survey from health regulator the Healthcare Commission has found that while more patients are saying they are “completely satisfied” with care in GP practices and health centres, significant numbers still cannot get appointments at a time of their choosing. GP access has been a major theme of recent Government policy, with rows with the BMA and Conservative Party over GP access and £250 million investment in new ‘polyclinics’. Health Minister Ben Bradshaw recently accused GPs of operating local ‘gentlemen’s agreements’ to prevent extended hours of access.

The Chief Medical Officer has announced the launch of annual appraisals for doctors practicing in the UK. Professor Sir Liam Donaldson”s new report Medical Revalidation: Principle and Next Steps also announces that every five years, all doctors and hospital consultants (as well as those who practice privately) will have a revalidation of their licence.

A trial giving medical teams financial rewards and bonuses for successful operations will soon start in the UK’s largest hospital trust. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London intends to pilot a scheme with the amim of “rewarding excellence”. This follows in the wake of Health Minister Lord Darzi’s NHS review, which emphasised quality.