NASGP Gets Clarification From DOH on Supplementary List Guidance to Health Authorities

With Supplementary Lists coming in to force on the 1st April 2002, the NASGP has inundated with concerns from its 2,500 members.

The main concern surrounds the amount of General Medical Services a non-principal needs to provide in order to be eligible. Paragraph 4.2.8. of the draft guidance issued to Health Authorities in December 2001 states:

"A Health Authority must refuse to include a non-principal on the supplementary list if:- he has not for three out of the last six months, provided General Medical Services in its area, or provided satisfactory evidence that he intends to provide services in its area (but see further advice at 4.2.11 & 4.2.12)"

This statement has been interpreted as meaning that the non-principal needs to have worked for at least 3 months out of the last 6 months. As this level of work exceeds what many non-principals actually do, NASGP sought clarification from the Department of Health.

A Departmental spokesperson said, "This paragraph of the guidance, and the associated regulation, is designed to be read in its entirety. Unfortunately, some are focusing on the specific numbers and getting no further. Just as relevant is the alternative requirement that there only needs to be an intention to provide GMS in the future. The guidance is not about preventing trained, safe doctors from working - it's about ensuring those doctors are committed to provide GMS within the Health Authority's area. That commitment can be shown in a number of ways."

The spokesperson went on to outline examples of how a non-principal could, in addition to their personal assurance, show that commitment.

  • by having been working in the health authority area for a period of time as either a GP or in a hospital
  • by providing evidence of future work plans in the area
  • by having their home in the area

None of this sets out actual levels of work to be provided - that would be too restrictive".

Dr Tina Ambury, Hon Secretary NASGP, has just received her application forms from South Lancs. Health Authority. "At eight pages they seem long, but they are relatively benign. Yes there are many questions around probity and criminality, but nowhere does it even ask about how much work I do in the area. As I only do one regular weekly session at a practice in South Lancs, I was worried that wouldn't be enough. From what has been said I'm happier that my 'commitment' to the Authority is apparent."

Dr Richard Fieldhouse, Chairman NASGP says, "We are very relieved to hear this clarification. The NASGP office and website discussion forum has been inundated with queries about Supplementary Lists and even though we've read the guidance ourselves, we still weren't clear. It's reassuring to be able to tell non-principals now that they will not be barred from lists simply because they haven't notched up enough sessions."

"As Health Authorities have been directed to have their Supplementary Lists "substantively in place" by the end of February, non-principals need to be applying to join the lists now. If you haven't received the forms, or been contacted yet, ring Service Development at the Health Authority you work in and declare your intention, now".

The Department of Health spokesperson added "It would be wrong if these statutory regulations prevented the vast majority of doctors from working. All Supplementary Lists are designed to do is to ensure that a minimum number of essential checks are made before a doctor is allowed to treat patients."

End

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