FOREWORD
PHILOSOPHY
AIMS
OBJECTIVES

Foreword

Over the last two years, the NASGP has helped change the way general practitioners are treated in general practice. We have already put into place many of our original objectives so some no longer apply. And changes within the NHS environment mean that we have new problems to solve.

The NASGP is determined that the quality of Sessional GPs will be recognised. The best way forward on this is to ensure the processes of accountability are equitable. Quality and accountability are the new watch-words for the future of general practice. These two principles are co-dependent and will be vital for every doctor working as a GP in the UK. Non-Principals should not be placed at a disadvantage by these processes and the NASGP will fight to ensure this does not happen.

Being fully accountable and 'quality assured' GPs, Sessional GPs will be on an equal footing in all respects with Principals, barriers to integration will fall and general practice will be a more attractive career option for newly qualified doctors - and a safer place for patients.

The NASGP

Philosophy

The NASGP seeks to act as a voice and a resource for all NHS General Practitioners who work beyond the traditional model of GPs as 'principals'. 

The term 'Sessional GP' is easily understood to encompass careers such as locums, assistants, retainers or otherwise salaried GPs. 

Since the NASGP aims to achieve equity and inclusion for all GPs, irrespective of their specific post, we are evolving a more positive concept of the 'Sessional GP'. 

Being independent may mean different things to different GPs:

· Independent of an employed status 
· Independent of the "Red Book" 
· Independent of certain non-clinical responsibilities 
· to choose your own career path, unrestrained by the constraints of traditional partnerships or principal posts.

As the field of Primary Care continues to change, 'independent' may come to denote other working styles. The success of the NASGP will lie in responding to and shaping those changes.

Aims

To unite all general practitioners by promoting quality and equality in primary care through 

· standard setting and progress 
· collecting and dissemination of information 
· campaigning 
· support

Objectives

Standard setting and progress

· Identify and respond to changes in the health care environment that affect independent GPs
· Develop new systems for maintaining or improving the quality of care given by independent GPs 
· Develop new systems for maintaining or improving the welfare of independent GPs 

Collecting and dissemination of information

· Maintain and distribute a database of names and addresses of independent GPs for the purposes of improving their professional welfare. 
· Produce and distribute a regular newsletter for members, to include an up-to-date list of all local groups and educational facilitators

Campaigning

· Lobbying of the DoH to allow all GPs access to the NHS superannuation scheme. 
· Campaign for the full inclusion of all GPs into the NHS' "information cascade" such as clinical guidelines, British National Formularies and the NHS Net. 
· Campaign for the full inclusion and participation of all GPs in the structures and processes of revalidation.

Supporting 

· Hold a regular national conference to promote the aims and objectives of the NASGP. 
· Promote and facilitate the equitable provision of and access to continuing medical education for all GPs. 
· Promote and facilitate research on issues relating to independent GPs 
· Promote, provide and facilitate professional support for individual GPs through local support groups. 
· To ensure the representation of all general practitioners through local medical committees (LMCs) and thus the British Medical Association (BMA). 
· Strengthen our existing links and broaden our relationship with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Medical Association (BMA).  

The NASGP Newsletter is kindly funded by an educational grant from the Medical Protection Society

© NASGP 2001 to 2008.