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Tory MP voices GPs’ fears over reforms

Tory MP voices GPs’ fears over reforms
16 February 2011



A Tory MP has warned Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, that he risks 'losing the profession' over plans to reform the NHS.

Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, claims she was told she could only take part in committee discussions of the new health bill if she always voted with the government and did not attempt to table amendments.


A Tory MP has warned Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, that he risks ‘losing the profession’ over plans to reform the NHS.

Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, claims she was told she could only take part in committee discussions of the new health bill if she always voted with the government and did not attempt to table amendments.

The Conservative refused to sit on the committee. She told Pulse magazine: “Clearly I’m not going to participate in a committee if I’m told not to ask questions and that I can’t say anything against the party line. You can’t tell people they can consider a bill with the proviso that they don’t table amendments and that they always vote with the government.”

She said GPs were concerned about aspects of the proposals, including plans to get rid of practice boundaries and attempts to drive up competition, and said they were also worried about the scale and pace of reforms.

She said: “I’m very supportive of GP commissioning but I do feel there are key elements of the bill which we will need to strengthen if we are not to lose the support of the profession.”

Copyright © Press Association 2011

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