The NHS
The reforms proposed by the Government to put GPs in charge of the patient and therefore where and how they should be referred, returns to the basic principle of healthcare. This is that the two people at the core of a coherent approach to solving health issues are the personal doctor and the patient. Between them they decide what to do next in a caring, practical and cost effective world, which gives primacy to patient well being. At present the communication between doctor, patient and hospital is interrupted by the bureaucratic overlay of Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities, which is costly and inefficient. Worse it has become an industry in itself, with the patient as little more than a passing statistic like a traveller in a motorway diner.
Apparently £80 billion is to be released to GPs, much more of which will be available to fund treatment than at present.There will be protests and many jobs will go. For those who will need to re-establish a new career one must have sympathy, but restoring the balance in favour of front line care is long overdue.
These proposals are exactly on the principles set out in my book 2010 A Blueprint For Change. It looks as if at least somebody read it. Or maybe it is just that Great Minds……..!