Summary
The British Medical Association and NHS England have agreed that next year’s GP contract will involve GPs taking more direct responsibility for the most vulnerable and elderly patients. It is anticipated that this move will relieve pressure on hospital admissions.
This move is reported to be a resurrection of the “Old-fashioned family doctor” role, whereby doctors have agreed to identify the frailest 2% of patients (people near the end of the lives, often living in care homes and / or patients who tend to be admitted to hospital frequently) and adopt a more proactive and holistic responsibility for helping to plan their care across the NHS and social care sectors.
Read more: BBC News. GPs take on extra role for frailest patients.
Reference
Triggle, N. (2013). GPs take on extra role for frailest patients. London: BBC Health News, November 15th 2013.
A related NHS Choices commentary:
Reference
The return of the ‘proper’ family doctor? London: NHS Choices; Behind the Headlines, November 15th 2013.
This relates to:
Reference
Personalised GP care will bring back old-fashioned family doctors. London: Department of Health, November 15th 2013.
Reference
NHS Employers and the BMA announce changes to the GP contract for 2014/15. London: NHS Employers, November 15th 2013.
Reference
GP contract changes put care before targets. London: British Medical Association (BMA), November 15th 2013.
A related BBC News item:
Reference
Parkinson, C. (2013). GP 10-minute appointment rule axed. London: BBC Health News, November 15th 2013.
Possibly of interest:
Reference
Triggle, N. (2016). How red bags are bringing NHS and care homes closer. London: BBC Health News, June 27th 2016.
