Its argument is that the Support to Secondary Care LES is paid on this basis because it has always been thus. This is rather like us GPs prescribing male gland double-strength supplement tablets for erectile dysfunction for no reason other than to satisfy a yen for tradition.
Dr Chris Lancelot wrote an excellent piece in the same issue. He says that GPs should rate PCTs on their performance.
Hopefully, PCTs that openly discriminate against practices and their patients will fare badly if such a survey is conducted. He goes on to suggest that the BMA should undertake this study - but why not GP newspaper itself? You'd get a lot of replies.
Dr John Cormack, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex
Editor's note: Thank you for your suggestion, Dr Cormack. See the launch of our new 'Rate Your PCT' survey.
