GP practices need to improve efficiency if they are to sustain profits in the current economic climate, the new chairman of medical accountancy specialists association AISMA has warned.
Bob Senior (pictured), Director of Medical Services at accountants RSM Tenon, said that, despite government assurances that frontline services would be maintained, doctors will inevitably be affected – “some quite dramatically”.
“My aim is to help AISMA members drive home the message that GP practices need to improve efficiency if they are to sustain profits in these difficult economic times,” said Mr Senior.
“Despite government pledges to maintain frontline services, doctors will inevitably feel the pinch as health service cuts begin to bite. Combined with the tax changes that lie ahead, doctors are going to be affected, some quite dramatically.”
Mr Senior takes over from David Clough, who stepped down at this month’s AISMA annual conference after leading the Association for eight years. Mr Senior is a highly respected practitioner in the field of specialist medical accountancy.
AISMA’s new Vice Chairman is Deborah Wood, Head of Healthcare Services at accountants Moore and Smalley.
AISMA will continue to work with the BMA to influence policy. Mr Senior said: “We will play our role in making the government aware of how proposed cuts will translate into reductions in service.”