British doctors have expressed their concerns over the government’s national review of the NHS led by Lord Darzi, according to research by Doctors.net.uk, Britain’s largest network of UK doctors.
Only 13% of the 600 doctors who took part in the research agreed with the measures outlined in the NHS review; 49% thought the proposed changes would not improve family access to doctors.
Morerover, 41% of doctors thought the review was nothing more than a political tool. The review’s recommendations – such as extended and weekend opening hours and the introduction of polyclinics – were met with great scepticism.
Dr Tim Ringrose, managing director of Doctors.net.uk, said: “Doctors are concerned that the government didn’t adequately consult them during the review process, and have outlined specific measures that clearly don’t have the backing of the medical community and are unrealistic to introduce.”
The research was carried out by Doctors.net.uk on 10 October 2007, and questioned 600 UK-qualified doctors.
