Results of GP survey released

The NHS has released results of its fifth quarterly practice survey.

Covering a sample of centres from each primary care trust (PCT), the study was conducted between September and November 2008 in an attempt to get feedback on perception of support offered and on the clinical and financial engagement with practice-based commissioning (PBC).

The survey found 62 per cent support PBC, with 20 per cent saying they were neutral – in-line with results from the previous two reviews.

It also found over half (56 per cent) of practices have commissioned new services as a result of the commissioning, with 62 per cent reported to have submitted business cases for service redesign.

Finally, 73 per cent have received an indicative budget.

Last week, a report by the Department of Health (DoH) said the NHS is making progress against key priorities and is continuing to show strong financial management.

It found the service’s performance in the second quarter of 2008 – June to September – met its 18-week commitment nationally five months early in August.

Speaking at the time, David Flory, DoH’s director general of NHS finance, performance and operations, said: “This report confirms the excellent progress the NHS is continuing to make and its achievements in key priority areas.”