Healthy option

THE latest proposed ‘NHS savings’ by removing the very healthy from GP practice lists in some parts of the UK seems a marvellous idea until one looks more deeply in to the proposal.

GPs provide the most essential service we require, yet are not rewarded at the same level as private medical professionals, solicitors, etc. etc.

The NHS is already unable to provide GPs in sufficient numbers to meet current demand, a demand which is not added to by the super healthy.

Each GP practice is a stand-alone business struggling to survive on the current funding level.

Any reduction in funding can only make it more difficult for each of these businesses to maintain the level of service currently provided, a service already viewed as unsatisfactory, and will only place additional pressure on A&E services.

If we want a National Health Service fit for purpose it can only be provide by resourcing it adequately.

A competent manager can produce a resource plan by visiting those areas of the health service that are struggling to provide adequate levels of service and speaking with the professionals there rather than the well-prepared televised soundbites produced to demonstrate the brilliance of government policy.

A few visits to the coal face, away from the glare of publicity, would be much more beneficial to the Minister of State for Health ‘s understanding of need. The NHS needs to be managed professionally and budgeted accordingly rather than being managed by budget.

There may well be efficiency saving by better management, but a better service is not achieved by underresourcing the service.

H MACKAY, Croy, Inverness-shire.