BMA activity in response to Lord Darzi's reviews of the NHS in England
The London Review
The London review is distinct from the wider NHS Next Stage Review and has followed a different timescale and process. In December 2006, NHS London (Strategic Health Authority) asked Lord Darzi to carry out a review of London’s healthcare. The subsequent report ‘Healthcare for London: A framework for action’ was published in July 2007, which for one, introduced the idea of polyclinics.
A letter from the BMA’s Chairman of Council, along with an online resource pack, which includes a BMA summary of the London report, were published on the BMA website in September 2007.
Although it was not a formal consultation, in September 2007 the BMA submitted a detailed response to the London report.
In December 2007 a public consultation on Lord Darzi’s proposals, ‘Consulting the Capital’, was launched by the London Strategic Health Authority (NHS London). The consultation closed on 7 March 2008. Londonwide local medical committees (LMCs) submitted a response to the consultation, ‘Listening to the Capital’s GPs’.
NHS London presented, in public, an analysis of the consultation responses received on 6 May 2008. Primary Care Trust (PCT) boards considered the proposals in the week of 19 May 2008. On 12 June 2008, another public meeting was held where a Joint Committee of PCT's agreed upon recommendations to shape the health strategy for London over the next 10 years. Individual or groups of PCTs are now in the process of developing detailed proposals on services based on these recommendations; these proposals will be subject to further discussion and consultation.
An executive committee, the London Commissioning Group (LCG), was established towards the end of 2007 to oversee coordination and implementation of the London review. The membership is derived mainly from PCTs and the SHA, but also includes some patient and clinician representation. In addition, a Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) (30-strong membership) was set up to support and advise the LCG and London’s PCTs. For more details see the Healthcare for London website.
The BMA’s London Regional Council (log-in required) has held two conferences to discuss Lord Darzi’s proposals for the capital, the first on 25 October 2007 and second on 28 May 2008.
The BMA's Medical Academic Staff Committee has written to both Lord Darzi and NHS London outlining concerns over the apparent absence of medical education and research in plans for the establishment of polyclinics in London.