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Press release

The King's Fund responds to the publication of Dr Nigel Watson's GP Partnership review

Responding to the publication of Dr Nigel Watson’s GP partnership review, Beccy Baird, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund said:

‘These proposals are a welcome attempt to revitalise the partnership model which has proved very successful over many years. The review deals with some of the technicalities that dissuade GPs’ from becoming partners, such as indemnity and risk. However, tackling unsustainable increases in the volume and intensity of GPs’ workloads will also be critical to ensuring the partnership model remains viable. A credible national workforce strategy which addresses gaps in the numbers and skills mix of health care staff needed to support general practice is also desperately needed.’
 
‘The NHS long-term plan places general practice at the heart of improvements to the health service. If that ambition is to be met, then general practice should be provided with support and training in leadership, management and organisational development, and it will need to be central to integrated system plans.’

Notes to editors

For more information or to request an interview with Beccy Baird, please contact The King’s Fund press office on 0207 307 2585/2583 (07584 146 035 if calling out of hours). 
 
Beccy Baird acted has acted as an independent advisor to this review.

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.