The General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the British Medical Association wishes to seek the views of the public, patient groups, health charities and the professions on four key issues facing general practice and patients:

• the evolving practice team
• getting a suitable appointment
• care and treatment outside normal working hours and
• continuity and coordination of care in the modern NHS.
  

General practice has been the cornerstone of the NHS since its birth in 1948 and is central in providing patients with high-quality health care.

UK general practice is internationally renowned as the foundation of the most cost-effective form of health care delivery in the developed world and is highly valued by patients. However, despite these considerable achievements, general practice is facing a number of challenges. Like the rest of the NHS, it is undergoing rapid change caused by an increasing demand for services, rising expectations, evolving practice structures and changes in government policy. The health service’s capacity is finite. Competing expectations and the current economic climate are likely to force the nation to make some difficult decisions over the coming years about its priorities for general practice.

The General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the British Medical Association wishes to seek the views of the public, patient groups, health charities and the professions on key issues facing general practice and patients:

“Striking a Balance” briefly discusses challenges in each of four areas before setting out some questions which we hope will provoke thought and debate. We look forward to hearing your responses to any or all of these questions, along with any other ideas you have for ensuring that general practice remains fit for the future. Your responses will help us to work with policy-makers at all levels to protect, develop and strengthen general practice in line with patient, public and GP priorities.

This consultation will close on Friday 10 September. If you would like to contribute to this debate, please send your comments to us by post to: Striking a balance, General Practitioners Committee, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

There is also a dedicated website for your comments www.strikingabalance.org.uk

Laurence Buckman
Chairman, GPC