GPs could be placed into “special measures” if they are considered to be failing their patients, according to new plans from the Secretary of State for Health.
However, the British Medical Association (BMA) claims the change could damage patients’ trust in their local GP practice.
The Guardian reported that programme is based on a system which saw 11 hospitals put into special measures last year.
The scheme would also be extended to providers of adult social care, Jeremy Hunt (pictured) is expected to announce tomorrow.
But officials have yet to confirm how the system will work with the 8,000 practices in England.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA’s GP committee told The Guardian: “It is important not to create a counterproductive blame culture based on isolated examples that would wrongly damage patient trust in wider GP services.
“We must not sensationalise isolated examples where there may be inadequate care.”
He said practices could be providing an inadequate service because of recruitment struggles or lack of resourcing.
