GOVERNMENT HANDLING OF GP CONTRACT SHOCKING AND INCOMPETENT - MULHOLLAND

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 28th Feb 2008

Commenting on today's National Audit Office report on the new contract for GPs introduced in 2003, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Spokesman Greg Mulholland said:

"The Government's handling of the GP contract has been shocking. The top-down, one size fits all approach will have a serious impact on the service GPs will be able to offer and ultimately on the quality of care for patients.

"This Government have left the taxpayer £2 billion out of pocket, whilst ensuring that people will get less access to their doctor. This kind of approach show the Government's total incompetence.

"It is vital that the Government correct these failures in the contract by holding open discussions with doctors, rather than needlessly picking battles with them.

"Improving patient services must be an urgent priority, Ministers must press on with reforming the contract without delay.

ENDS