RCGP calls for changes to planned NHS reforms

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has called on the government to make amendments to its planned reforms of the NHS, which it believes could be damaging in their current form.

In a letter to prime minister David Cameron, the organisation refuted the need for a wholesale reorganisation of the health service, while listing a number of key areas in which it believes changes should be made to the Health Bill.

For example, the college is seeking assurances that plans to abolish practice boundaries are revised and that the duty of doctor confidentiality is upheld, while it also opposes the idea of healthcare providers charging for any service currently provided for free by the NHS.

It also stated that its overriding concern is that not enough clarity has been provided on how patients and services would be protected in a more competitive market.

RCGP chair Dr Clare Gerada said: "The RCGP will continue to promote the development of high-quality, effective patient-centred care, with GPs at the heart of NHS service delivery."

Last month, the organisation expressed concern that government plans to reform medical training systems could damage care quality.