PM will address GPs' conference

The prime minister, Tony Blair, has agreed to take part in the GPC Conference 2000 in Harrogate next month and to answer questions via a live video link. The health secretary, Alan Milburn, has agreed to give the keynote address at the conference.

A new book that examines the challenges facing general practice has been commissioned by the General Practitioners Committee and will form the basis of debate at the conference.

Written by freelance journalist Chris Mihill, Shaping Tomorrow, which was launched this week, is based on interviews with more than 100 people, including patients, policy makers, and health professionals. It sets out the key strengths of general practice, the problems and threats that face GPs, and the possibilities for change. It will be sent to all GPs in the United Kingdom as well as to managers and healthcare and patients' organisations to help the debate.

A discussion forum will be opened on the internet next month to allow all GPs to participate in the debate.

The report poses many questions—for example, about what patients want from their GP; the …