See the written answer from Dr Dan Poulter to Tracey Crouch MP (27 Nov 2012 : Column 212W) |
Our NHS is based on the principle that providers are paid to deliver NHS services from our taxation, not through charges which GPs and others may (indirectly) impose on us, e.g. by use of revenue sharing telephone numbers. The revisions to the GP contracts which came into effect from 1 April 2010 simply ensured that this principle could no longer be evaded.
Because Primary Care Trusts have failed to enforce the revised contractual terms, this evasion continues. The Secretary of State for Health was asked what action he was taking to address this continuing undermining of the NHS. The answer from his Minister was clear - “NOTHING”.
Compliance with the principles of our "National" Health Service is left to be decided by local officials. The policy being followed by NHS Kent and Medway (serving constituents of Tracey Crouch MP) leaves it to individual GPs, in consultation with their patients. This is not "our NHS".