Leading GP bodies have given their support to new guidance on how patients’ medical records should be used in medical research. The guidance, published this week by the medical charity the Wellcome Trust, aims to make it clearer to GPs and researchers how they can ensure that medical records are used safely in research. The report says that patients’ records in general practice are a unique source of information that can help medical researchers improve their understanding of disease, develop potential new treatments, and improve care.
GPs have been paid for thousands of patients on their lists who have moved practice, died or been forced to leave the country, according to a report by the Audit Commission.
Doctors' leaders warn situation could diminish patient trust and lead to more NHS services being run by private operators. GPs preparing to take charge of £60bn of NHS funds have been found to have shareholdings in private healthcare firms, prompting alarm about family doctors profiting from direct conflicts of interest.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is to remain opposed to any change in the law on assisted dying, it has been revealed today following one of the most comprehensive consultations of its members. More than 1,700 members responded to the consultation, which was open from 22 May 2013 until 9 October 2013. College members responded either as individuals, or through one of the RCGP Devolved Councils, one of the RCGP Faculties (local branches), or via a College committee or group. The consultation was conducted through a range of methods, including debates at local meetings, online polls and individual correspondence. Today’s Council debate on the issue ended with a resolution to “maintain the College’s position of opposition to a change in the law on assisted dying”. Seventy seven per cent of RCGP members who submitted individual responses to the consultation expressed the opinion that the College should remain opposed to a change in the law to permit assisted dying. In add