RCM piles on pressure over reforms

Just hours after it was revealed that the RCGP has sent a letter to David Cameron asking him to throw out the bill, the RCM has spoken out in support.

The calls come after Andrew Lansley tabled 147 last minute amendments, in the hope of winning over concerned peers.

A large number of these are believed to be aimed at clarifying the language in the bill, which has come under fire for being unreadable and confusing.
 
Other key changes include requiring health bodies to involve patients more in decision making, actively supporting integration, and the promotion of research.

The RCGP’s letter to Cameron claims, despite the amendments, the bill will ‘cause irreparable damage to patient care and jeopardise the NHS’.

Cathy Warwick, RCM chief, said: ‘This new opposition clearly demonstrates that our concerns are not a question of vested interests.

‘The RCGP, the BMA, CSP, RCN and the RCM, and many other health professionals are all seriously concerned about the impact the bill will have on the quality of healthcare in England.
 
‘As expected, the government’s amendments tabled in the Lords this week have made minor changes and left the fundamental tenets of the bill unchanged.

‘We will continue to oppose the bill unless the unnecessary and dogmatic focus on competition is removed.
 
‘Last month we announced publicly our opposition to the bill. This month we have seen that the government has failed to address our and others’ concerns seriously.

‘The growing opposition to the bill suggests now is the time for the government to swallow its pride and withdraw the bill.’

The reforms will next week be examined line by line by peers, after which they will hold their final debate on the legislation.