Fees make 'mockery' of CQC consultation

  The introduction of fee increases on GP practices by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) makes a mockery of the regulator’s consultations with doctors, the BMA has said. The response comes as the CQC confirmed increases in the fees to be charged to providers of health and adult social care in 2016-17, including general practice and certain NHS trusts. Under the new fee structures, single-location GPs with 5,001-10,000 patients will see a £1,849 increase from £725 in 2015-16 to £2,574 in 2016-17. The fee increases mean NHS trusts with incomes of between £125m and £225m will see a £58,656 rise in their fees, from £78,208 in 2015-16 to £136,864 in 2016-17. BMA GP committee chair Chaand Nagpaul, pictured, said the regulator’s decision to press ahead with increases added insult to injury to a general practice workforce already overburdened with patient demand and lack of resources.   'Intense pressure' He said: ‘The CQC’s proposed rises are wholly disproportionate and unwarranted. 'These increases will see a significant rise in fees for GP practices at a time when many are under intense, unsustainable pressure from rising patient demand, falling resources and staff shortages. ‘The planned changes show the CQC has completely ignored the vast majority of responses to its consultation and its announcement today makes a mockery of the whole exercise.’ Dr Nagpaul said a rise in fees in ...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news