The BMA’s debate is plotted out in detail here on the Pulse blow-by-blow blog from their Special Representative Meeting if you want to read it. But in a nutshell:
- BMA Chairman Hamish Meldrum survives the vote of no confidence in him (that calling the meeting implied)
- Doctors voted overwhelmingly for more power and money (i.e. in favour of GP led Commissioning)
- Other (salaried) GPs complained they wanted to be in the Consortia but their colleagues were snubbing them
- Londonwide LMCs (Local Medical Councils) chief executive Dr Michelle Drage reminded them that the real fear is that if the BMA vote to reject the Health Bill, they will lose membership to the rival National Association of Primary Care
- They debate price competition – which has already been dropped by the SoS
- Oh, and they also voted in favour of the Health Bill
So as you can see, it was all about putting the needs of patients first. Actually, to be fair, they did discuss patient confidentiality which is important and amendments need to be tabled that will ensure the personal health records remain just that unless permission is given to share them. And brave souls stood up and spoke about the opportunities there are now before them.
I can’t confess to have read every motion that was debated, but 2020health’s concerns on the Health Bill (and their impact on inequalities and structures) remain around as previously stated:
“The important questions about sorting out lines of authority and accountability, scrutinising proposed changes to NICE that will undermine our international standing, driving down demand and patient safety (as previously blogged here and here) are being given very little airing.”
2020health's Blog 