Pictured above: Barry Doherty
Proposals in the Government's White Paper Equity and Excellence:
Liberating the NHS are sure to shake up the organisational
structure of the UK's healthcare system but GPs will need to become
more business-savvy if they are to reap the benefits.
One of the key proposals is that every GP practice will become a
member of a consortium responsible for commissioning NHS services
but Barry Doherty, partner in the corporate team at law firm
Weightmans LLP, says GPs need to look carefully at the structure of
such a consortium.
"GP consortia present some interesting options but getting the
framework right will be absolutely crucial," he said. "There are
already examples of GP consortia operating successfully in England
under a variety of commercial structures."
Weightmans has already demonstrated its expertise in advising GP
practices operating under a commercial framework in the formation
of the Vitality Super Partnership set up last year. Vitality,
formed from the Laurie Pike Medical Centre and the Handsworth Wood
Medical Centre in Birmingham, was one of the first UK examples of
the unison of different practices under one commercial
structure.
"The Government's proposal for GP consortia presents an
opportunity for GPs to explore the possibility of more flexible
models like limited companies, or social enterprises such as
community interest companies.
"In practice, most GP consortia will work better under a company
framework limited by shares or guarantee - a type of structure that
has been around for a long time and that communities and patients
are likely to feel comfortable with."
The White Paper has confirmed that GP Consortia will be free to
decide what commissioning activities they will undertake themselves
and which they will buy in from external suppliers.
"These commissioning activities will require a consortium to be
a robust and well-structured vehicle, so careful thought must be
given as to which model will provide the most benefits for
practitioners and their patients," Barry concludes.