Without undermining the crucial role of our nursing colleagues, we strongly disagree with the assertions made by Dr Fradd.
All the evidence demonstrates that having the right number of high-quality GPs significantly improves positive outcomes for patients. The work of internationally renowned healthcare expert Barbara Starfield shows remarkable benefits for patients in countries where there is strong primary care led by highly trained generalist physicians and demonstrates that the higher the rate of family doctors per population, the lower the hospital rates.
Professor Steve Field, RCGP chairman and Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP vice-chair.
