MPS survey on CCGs reveals 59% of GPs and Practice Managers see conflicts of interest as the main concern
Post date: 03/04/2013 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/11/2018
A survey of healthcare professionals by medical indemnity provider the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has revealed concerns that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will expose doctors to accusations of conflicting interests as the role of GP changes.
The survey, of more than 1000 GPs and Practice Managers across England published in the membership organisation’s new publication Practice Matters, revealed 59% see conflicts of interest as the main concern regarding the introduction of CCGs.
MPS has been calling for clear and robust governance structures and processes to be placed within CCGs to ensure that both perceived and actual conflicts are dealt with openly and stand up to public scrutiny. Without this, the organisation warns patient and public confidence in the NHS could be undermined.
Dr Richard Stacey, Medicolegal Adviser and Editor-in-Chief of Practice Matters said, 'MPS has always had concerns that CCGs could place GPs in a potentially challenging position of being not just the patient advocate but also the budget holder and we believe this leaves GPs vulnerable to accusations of conflicting interests. We have received a number of calls from members expressing these same concerns for the last few months and this survey not only confirms MPS’s fears but those of GPs and Practice Managers. CCGs must put clear systems in place to ensure real and perceived conflicts of interest are dealt with in an open way to protect the patient-doctor relationship.'
The healthcare professionals surveyed by MPS also expressed concerns regarding budget restrictions and time constraints. Furthermore, 28% revealed they expected CCGs to have a worse effect on patient care and 15% expected no impact.
More information
For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Elizabeth Bananuka, Media Relations Manager, on 020 7399 1428 or email [email protected]
Notes to editor
Practice Matters is a new publication for MPS members. Published four times a year, the publication will strive to provide practice staff with an entertaining and informative read that shares important medicolegal advice, while providing practical ideas that can be used in practice. To read the publication, click here
