An inquiry into the standard of care offered by GP practices across the country is being introduced by The King’s Fund, a charity funding research into healthcare.
The first phase of the inquiry, which was officially launched back in April, will begin at the NHS Alliance Annual Conference and Exhibition 2009 in Manchester.
Its aim is to collect and examine evidence about the services provided by general practice. This will include looking at areas including access to care, quality of diagnosis, referrals, and care for patients with long-term conditions. It will report back in September 2010.
It is hoped that by examining the quality of care being offered, professional practice can be improved to make standards even higher.
Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance and member of the group overseeing the inquiry, said: “We are delighted the King’s Fund is launching the first phase of this inquiry at our conference. This is a very important initiative and having an independent organisation, such as the King’s Fund, leading it will give the results great credibility.
“And, unlike other initiatives, this inquiry is not about naming and shaming. It is about people working together and looking at how we can improve general practice.”
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related story: King’s Fund launches major inquiry into GP services
