The British government has been investing millions of pounds into health care. The Department of Health is now planning to conduct a massive survey to determine how accessible the services are to the patients in Britain. Through the intended survey, patients are going to be endowed with the special privilege of playing a part in contributing to the doctor’s income.
The Prime Minister during his 2005 election campaign projected that he would direct his energy into projects that promise better GP access to Britons. The survey that is planned is partly a fulfillment of that promise. Through the survey, the Department of Health aims to gain an approximate idea of how gratifying the facilities such as opening times, availability over phones, booking facilities for appointments etc., actually are.Most doctors are hostile about the whole project. They fear that this may undermine the overall trust that the patients across Britain have in the GPs. They suspect that some of the questions framed by the government is severely biased.
This survey is scheduled to be conducted in the month of January in 2007.Named 'The Patient Experience Survey', the results are expected to determine exactly how much of the £72 million is actually utilized by surgeries all over England. This will also clarify what portion of £8,000 given in incentives is collected by a practice which serves about 6,000 patients
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced to the media that the public have voiced their opinion that accessibility to GPs remains their highest priority. Hence the government will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that this goal is achieved. Since the government is investing phenomenally towards health sector, they are determined to ensure that the benefits reach the needy
The British Medical Association also agreed on fixing a portion of the income from surgeries on the basis of the survey. The doctors expressed their displeasure about parts of the questionnaire. They feel that certain questions invites criticism from the public that may be far fetched.
Source-Medindia
MST
