DoH tells GPs to deal with dental patients
The GPC has said GPs should not treat dental problems despite comments from a DoH minister. Speaking on the BBC Radio Four Today programme, health minister Ben Bradshaw said: 'If people need urgent treatment, they should either go to their GP or the PCT and demand what is their right.' The call follows an NHS feedback survey of over 5,000 patients, which showed 20 per cent had refused dental treatment because of the expense and 6 per cent had treated themselves. The GPC said GPs were not qualified to tackle dental problems.
NHS reforms delay vital scans
Patients in Northern Ireland are waiting six months for scans for potentially life-threatening illnesses because of delays to NHS reform, according to the BMA. GPs are concerned about that delays to the further implementation of the Review of Public Administration are holding up setting up GP commissioning. BMA Northern Ireland chairman Dr Brian Patterson said delaying change meant GP support gained over the last 18 months was in 'grave danger of being lost entirely'.
New framework for registering doctors
The GMC is launching a new framework for registering doctors today (Friday 19 October). It means doctors granted full registration for the first time and taking up a new post will be required to work initially within a GMC-approved practice setting. Full details at www.gmc-uk.org.
Medical students face £7,000 debt
Tuition fees are leaving medical students in more debt than last year, according to a BMA survey. The introduction of variable fees has meant the average first-year debt is now £7,776, an increase of 12 per cent. The BMA will be campaigning against the removal of the cap on tuition fees and wants more financial support.
Television producers looking for a GP
Producers of a new reality TV show, The Family, are keen to select a doctor for the series. The show follows one family for four months and hopes to show the pressures placed on the family by working in the medical profession. Email family@fireflyproductions.tv.
Website for London GPs
London-wide LMC has launched a website to keep the capital's GPs up to speed with changes to healthcare. The website, www.lmc.org.uk, will be regularly updated with new GPC guidance and will serve as a forum for opinion.
