Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said “It will be a real challenge for PCTs to implement cover services, but this is an important step in the recruitment and retention of family doctors. This transfer of responsibility gives PCTs the opportunity to employ the skills of all healthcare professionals, not just GPs.”

Gill added: “PCTs are currently in a varying state of readiness for providing cover, but the necessary structures and support are available. Although a minority of PCTs may experience significant pressure in the run-up to the January 2005 deadline, we are confident that all PCTs will secure a safe and effective service for patients.”

Gill concluded: “The new contract is about doing things differently, not more of the same. Communication to both patients and other sectors of the NHS is vital during the transition period, and we strongly support both national and local campaigns to encourage this. Overall, the new GMS contract will enable PCTs to design more joined-up services, give GPs a more manageable workload, and benefit patients through an improved standard of care.”

ENDS
Notes for Editors

1. The NHS Confederation represents the organisations that make up the NHS. Our members include the majority of NHS trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; trusts and NHS boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

2. The NHS Confederation negotiated the new GMS contract with the General Practitioners’ Committee of the BMA on behalf of the Department of Health. The transfer of responsibility for out-of-hours services to PCTs was part of this contract, which was backed by 80% of GPs in June 2003.

3. An ISDN line is available for radio interviews (020 7959 7283). To arrange an ISDN interview please contact Chris Atkinson at the Press Office on 020 7959 7240