#News
This week GP magazine revealed exclusively that only one in seven PCTs are now providing NHS funding for homeopathy as managers scrap support for it to focus on more cost-effective treatment. What does your PCT spend? Further analysis, results, GP views and a poll vote opportunity online.
Self-confessed 'World's Greatest Newspaper' the Daily Express covered it and added a pop at Prince Charles.
We splashed on BMA evidence to the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body (DDRB) calling for a 1% minimum take home pay rise to cover increasing expenses.
#MostPopularStories
1. PCTs abandon funding for homeopathy
2. Damning BMA report warns GPs have been 'singled out' over pay
3. More GPs should work Saturdays, says health minister
4. Practice manager pay falls after seven-year rise
5. GP-led self care pilot halves waits for physiotherapy
#Video Of The Week
Monday was Global Handwashing Day. Who knew? Clearly there's nothing like a good rinse. A shout out to the good people of Northampton General Hospital and Northampton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for injecting a little fun into proceedings with their handwashing tips to Gangnam Style courtesy of Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (@nenecomm).
New health secretary Jeremy Hunt (@jeremy_hunt) ended his six-week Twitter holiday with his first thoughts in his new role this week.
Welcome to my first Dept Health tweet. Busy morning looking at improving mortality rates for big killer diseases.
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) October 16, 2012
Lancashire GP and GPC member Dr David Wrigley (@DavidGWrigley) responded:
@jeremy_hunt We record cancer and cancer deaths more assiduously than in Europe so we have apparently worse figures. It's an artefact
— Dr David Wrigley (@DavidGWrigley) October 16, 2012
RCGP chairwoman Professor Clare Gerada (@clarercgp) and Channel 4 presenter Dr Christian Jessen (@DoctorChristian) have been at it again.
Danish study suggest general health MOTs offer no benefits to as they don't reduce deaths. But is this the right endpoint to be looking at?
— Dr Christian Jessen (@DoctorChristian) October 17, 2012
'Health 'MOT' off no benefit' bbc.co.uk/news/health-19… We have known this for ages-but policy makers insist that they are offered.Waste of time
— Clare Gerada (@clarercgp) October 17, 2012
I find doing health MOTs for my patients is a great time to give lifestyle advice and answer questions. Perhaps it just needs renaming?
— Dr Christian Jessen (@DoctorChristian) October 17, 2012
#BlogOfTheWeek
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a GP on Everest? Devon GP Dr Neil Rushton is doing just that, has been blogging for us from there since September and you can view his extensive picture gallery all online.
