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LETTERS: Mark Strong and John Radford What about the impact on patient health? BMJ 2007; 335: 60-c [Full text]

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Local negotiation of a national Contract

James P Bell   (17 July 2007)

Local negotiation of a national Contract 17 July 2007
James P Bell, GP Partner SR3 4HG Send response to journal: Re: Local negotiation of a national Contract	Strong and Radford propose a local amendment to the national Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF), suggesting that that the QOF contract be renegotiated between the Primary Care Trust (PCT) executive and the Local Medical Committee (LMC)(reference1). It is my understanding of the contract that the QOF component could not be unpicked and locally renegotiated because it is a national contract. The guidance issued in February 2003 by the BMA is clear on where responsibilities lie for renegotiation of the QOF (reference2). 3.41 An independent UK-wide expert group will oversee the process. The group will consider the latest evidence available and make recommendations to the four Health Departments or their agents and the GPC. It will be the responsibility of the negotiating parties to negotiate any changes to the quality framework, including pricing changes. Strong and Radford's proposals should be directed to the appropriate body for national consideration, rather than local negotiation which, if implicated, could be subject to legal challenge by GMS practices. References 1. Mark Strong and John Radford What about the impact on patient health? BMJ 2007; 335: 60-c 2. New GMS Contract 2003. Investing in General Practice Para 3.41 P 24 Competing interests: GP partner in a GMS Practice GP QOF Assessor