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Success in the Lords for the Health and Social Care Bill
Today, the Government has succeeded in winning a pivotal vote in the House of Lords, preventing the delay and potential demise of the controversial Health and Social Care Bill, meaning it now looks likely to progress to legislation in the spring.
The much discussed bill will allow clinicians control of their budgets to commission care in their localities. This will ‘theoretically’ increase competition and drive down health costs, helping to counter the ever increasing burden caused by the ageing population.
Critics, including many lead figures from the medical professional such as Laurence Buckland from the BMA, recognise the importance of competition and choice however feel that this will lead to serious inequalities of healthcare provision between localities and result in disjointed care for the patient.
Supporters feel that GPs, whose activity accounts for 80% of healthcare spend, must be involved in decisions about how this money is spent and understand the impact at a local level. They go on to argue patients will also feel reassured that decisions about local healthcare provision are being made locally and by GPs they may even know personally.
Despite this win, it won’t all be plain-sailing for the Government – the BMJ today published results of a survey showing over 75% of GPs want the bill withdrawn. So they may have secured support of Lords, but it is yet to be seen how they gain support from the medical profession, who are so integral to bringing this legislation to life. Without them, the Government might once again be fighting to keep the bill alive….
Seb Stokes - October 12, 2011
