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Chief inspector of GPs to be created | Chief inspector of GPs to be created |
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A chief inspector of GPs in England is to be appointed as part of a push to improve services outside of hospitals, ministers are set to announce. | |
In a speech later this week, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will say that the problems being seen in A&E units are linked to the way GPs work. | In a speech later this week, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will say that the problems being seen in A&E units are linked to the way GPs work. |
He will paint a picture of dysfunction across the sector, saying GP practices are struggling to cope with demand. | He will paint a picture of dysfunction across the sector, saying GP practices are struggling to cope with demand. |
This lack of a credible alternative means many turn to A&E, he will add. | This lack of a credible alternative means many turn to A&E, he will add. |
His comments, to be made at an event in London on Thursday hosted by the King's Fund, comes after mounting concern about the state of other NHS services. | His comments, to be made at an event in London on Thursday hosted by the King's Fund, comes after mounting concern about the state of other NHS services. |
Last week doctors and managers warned that the A&E system was on the brink of collapse as rising patient numbers, shortage of money and a lack of doctors had left units struggling. | Last week doctors and managers warned that the A&E system was on the brink of collapse as rising patient numbers, shortage of money and a lack of doctors had left units struggling. |
This is on top of the problems being seen with the roll-out of the new non-emergency 111 phone line. | This is on top of the problems being seen with the roll-out of the new non-emergency 111 phone line. |
Patients in some areas have experienced problems getting through to the service, which is replacing NHS Direct, while there have been reports of poor advice being given. | Patients in some areas have experienced problems getting through to the service, which is replacing NHS Direct, while there have been reports of poor advice being given. |
Mr Hunt will say that there needs to be a renewed focus on GP care and wider community services to relieve the pressure elsewhere. | Mr Hunt will say that there needs to be a renewed focus on GP care and wider community services to relieve the pressure elsewhere. |
'Rigorous' | 'Rigorous' |
The creation of the chief inspector post - which follows the announcement of one for hospitals - is being seen by ministers as a key part of that. | The creation of the chief inspector post - which follows the announcement of one for hospitals - is being seen by ministers as a key part of that. |
It will form part of a "rigorous" new inspection and ratings system that will put the focus firmly on whether GPs are providing effective and responsive care. | It will form part of a "rigorous" new inspection and ratings system that will put the focus firmly on whether GPs are providing effective and responsive care. |
But rather than blame GPs for the problems he will say that they have become victims of a "box-ticking culture" created by the previous government. | But rather than blame GPs for the problems he will say that they have become victims of a "box-ticking culture" created by the previous government. |
He will also set out proposals for patients who are in regular contact with community-based NHS services, particularly vulnerable older people, to be given a named healthcare professional to be in charge of their care - much as a hospital patient falls under the care of a named consultant. | He will also set out proposals for patients who are in regular contact with community-based NHS services, particularly vulnerable older people, to be given a named healthcare professional to be in charge of their care - much as a hospital patient falls under the care of a named consultant. |
Mr Hunt will say: "We've turned GP practices into places where it's a daily challenge for receptionists to cope with huge call volumes and GPs to get through to all the people they need to see. | Mr Hunt will say: "We've turned GP practices into places where it's a daily challenge for receptionists to cope with huge call volumes and GPs to get through to all the people they need to see. |
"I do not blame NHS staff for this. They are working extremely hard in the face of rising demand." | "I do not blame NHS staff for this. They are working extremely hard in the face of rising demand." |