The letter says that lower quality framework scores as well as higher staff turnover and running costs are among key reasons why APMS contracts leave patients disadvantaged.
Health minister Lord Ara Darzi’s interim report on the NHS in England called for 100 new practices and 150 new health centres, all of which are expected to be run under APMS.
The letter from GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman to Lord Darzi said: ‘We believe that patients registering with practices run by private organisations holding APMS contracts would be at a distinct disadvantage compared to those registered with a ‘traditional’ general practice, exacerbating rather than alleviating health inequalities.’
Dr Buckman argues that PCTs should be given the option of using traditional GP models for the new practices and health centres.
neil.durham@haymarket.com
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