Family doctors have made it clear to the minister on many occasions that their primary interest is improving standards of care for their patients

Dr Brian Patterson

Dr Brian Patterson, chairman of the BMA's GPs committee in the province, said the organisation was aware of the real concerns members had regarding the new primary care arrangements.

"We are aware of the differences of opinion on the way ahead fuelled by the lack of proper detail available to date regarding the implementation of the new primary care arrangements," he said.

Dr Patterson also said he had recently written to Bairbre de Brun to ensure that next month's meeting would provide the opportunity to have outstanding questions on the matter answered.

"Bearing in mind that consultation on Building the Way Forward in Primary Care and its predecessor Fit for the Future has been ongoing for over three years, we find it incredible that we are now trying to work out the detail for the implementation of new structures within three months," he said.

'Additional'

"There is no guarantee that even services already in existence will be sustained after 1 April.

"For many years fund holding GPs have used their budgets or savings to introduce into their practices additional services.

"These innovations have been excellent for patients and indeed relieve the pressure on attendance at hospital outpatient clinics, but sadly they could very well be put in jeopardy unless proper action is taken at this stage to ensure their continuation."

Bairbre de Brun: To meet with the BMA committee next month

The BMA committee claims new Local Health & Social Care Groups will be unable to operate effectively from 1 April 2002.

As the groups will act in an advisory capacity, GPs are concerned that there is little scope for influence.

The letter also outlines concerns about the resourcing of primary care in general and the committees reservations about the commitment by the department of health to a primary care centred service.

"Family doctors are at the front line of patient care and have made it clear to the minister and her officials on many occasions that their primary interest is improving standards of care for their patients.

"The BMA will not be in a position to commend this process to GPs in Northern Ireland until certain assurances have been given by the department.

"Time has been wasted by health officials and is now of the essence if doctors are going to be able to give meaningful support to the new arrangements."