1. GPs put the squeeze on access to hospital care.
- Author
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Iacobucci, Gareth
- Subjects
- *
GENERAL practitioners , *MEDICAL protocols , *HEALTH services accessibility , *MEDICAL referrals , *NATIONAL health services , *PATIENT advocacy - Abstract
In this article, the author focuses on the impact of the British National Health Service (NHS) health care guidelines restraints on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England. He informs that four CCGs have implemented the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline for in vitro fertilisation and the general practitioner (GP) referral service management guideline has restricted the flow of patients in CCGs. It states that a white paper released by the NHS in 2010 has revealed that NHS has planned to abolish primary health care trusts. It also mentions that the guidelines have impacted both the budget and responsibilities of CCGs. INSETS: BOX 1: CCGS FAIL TO IMPLEMENT NICE GUIDANCE ON IVF;BOX 2: CLOSING THE GATES¿NEW REFERRAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS;COMMISSIONING GROUPS ¿ HOW THEY CAME INTO BEING;BOX 3: FAMILY DOCTOR¿PATIENTS¿ ADVOCATE OR GUARDIAN OF THE PUBLIC
- Published
- 2013