Scandal that shows up a GP system in turmoil

THIS is a scandal that exposes the chaos behind the scenes of the privatised administration of the NHS. Every year hundreds of millions of pounds is being misspent on GP patients who simply do not exist.

Capita, a private company, was brought in three years ago at great expense to tackle the problem of so-called ghost patients. But under their watch, the number has actually risen by 600,000 to an astonishing 3.6 million.

This results in a chronic misallocation of almost £550 million every year that could – and should – be invested in patient care.

Up and down the country, GPs work tirelessly to help millions of patients and, quite rightly, family doctors raise concerns about the level of funding for the NHS.

But to retain the admiration and respect of the public, they must make sure that their own houses are in order and the number of patients on their lists is accurate.

It is wrong that some patients have remained registered with GPs for decades after they have either emigrated or died.

This has resulted in surgeries receiving vast sums for patients they never see, which is totally unacceptable.

The NHS and Capita have failed to get to grips with this situation, but GPs must also play their part in keeping the number of ghost patients to a minimum.

Deregistering patients is tricky and can potentially lead to the removal of people who are in good health and simply haven’t visited a GP for years.

But who better to be given the resources to lead the ‘ghostbusting’ exercise than the GP practices themselves?

The public also has a role by ensuring, for example, that deceased relatives have been removed from their GP surgery’s books.

This would make a massive difference, ensuring that funds are fairly distributed to all who need them.

‘This money should be invested in patient care’