Thame GPs unhappy about hospital review

LOCAL doctors who successfully fought and won a review of new arrangements for medical cover at Thame hospital, say that the old arrangements should be reinstated “forthwith”.

The review followed concerns raised by the doctors, members of the public and the Buckinghamshire County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, particularly about the number of hours for patient care in the new contract arrangements, and the links with local GP practices.

Ed Macalister-Smith, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust will Chair the review, which will include a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and medical representation.

In a statement today, Bucks PCT said that during the review period, which will start immediately, the new contract will continue to be implemented – a contract that allows for only four hours a week of medical cover at the hospital.

PROMISE OF MORE HOURS

However, a spokesperson for Bucks PCT later told ThameNews.Net that the new contractor, The Practice plc, have assured them that the four hours is “only a base line” and that they will “provide the number of hours required by patients in the hospital” during the review period.

CONTRACT IS “TAINTED” SAY DOCTORS

The Thame doctors however continue to question the legitimacy of the temporary arrangement because they say the new contract is “tainted” since it was agreed without the lawfully required public consultation.

Doctor Duncan Keeley said: “This statement fails to acknowledge the unanimous vote that a significant reduction in service, necessitating public consultation, had taken place, and re-stating the position of all the practices referring patients to Thame Hospital, that the temporary contract with Rycote and Wellington House practices should be reinstated forthwith.

“We do not think that preserving the new contract for any period is a practical way forward. In the events which have happened, the new contract is tainted by the irregularity in failing to take the necessary legal steps antecedent to its award.

FLAWED PROCEDURE

“For this reason we have legal, moral and administrative concerns regarding the continuation of a contract in existence only because of a flawed procedure. If a temporary arrangement is required, then it ought to revert to the previous arrangment for medical cover from local practices.”

CALL TO REOPEN CLOSED BEDS AT THAME

The local doctors are suggesting a return to the temporary arrangements THEY had to provide medical cover, from October 1, and for the four closed beds to be reopend at Thame hospital while the review is underway.

Richard Mills, Director of Strategy for the PCT, said: “Our community hospitals are an invaluable part of our healthcare system and greatly valued by local people. We want to build on their role in the community, not reduce it. There are clearly some concerns about the new arrangements. We have listened to those concerns, and the review will be an opportunity to look at how we should move forward with all of our partners in the community.”