Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding Centene in our NHS – EDM 1628.
As a
rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and
have no legislative effect.
GPs have
always been private contractors that work to NHS contracts, follow NHS
guidelines and see NHS patients. They do not compete for patients, or profit in
the way competitive providers of healthcare do. The NHS is free at the point of
use and that does not and will not change with whomever is contracted to
provide NHS services.
This is
not new or different, this sort of thing has happened for a very long time. The
NHS delivers services through a mixture of public and private provision – the
key fundamental being that anyone accessing the services does not pay for them
and that isn’t changing.
They are
also still subject to all the regulation and inspection by the Care Quality
Commission (CCQ).
If
patients felt the care they were receiving under the new provider was
insufficient or compromised in any way, they have the option to report to the
CCQ. or, if they feel that strongly and the option is available, register with
an alternative local GP surgery.
I am not
aware of any GPs in our constituency being taken over by this company. I would
of course always expect any GP to fulfil its contractual obligations and to be
held to the highest standards.
If you
would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not
hesitate to contact me.
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