BMA wary of ‘GPs in Boots stores’ plan

The British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed some reservations over the plan to allow GPs and consultants to practise in Boots stores.

A trial clinic is planned in Boots’ shop in Poole, Dorset, which could open by the end of the year. The high street chemist chain said it would help make healthcare more accessible to the public.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, who chairs the BMA’s GPs committee, explained that the BMA would have “far fewer concerns” if the plans were simply a case of Boots renting out space to GPs and consultants, rather than Boots employing GPs and doctors on behalf of the NHS.

He said: “[We] have concerns this is symptomatic of the government’s agenda to increase the amount of private sector involvement in the NHS.”

“That may lead to increasing fragmentation of the health service and adversely affect the well liked and respected continuity of care that is so much an integral part of UK general practice,” he added.

Last month, the government was forced to deny it was handing the NHS’ 65 billion pound primary care budget into the hands of private companies.

Lord Warner, health minister, stated: “The government has no plans to privatise the National Health Service.

“We are determined to create stronger and more effective primary care trusts, which can secure the best possible healthcare for patients in local areas by commissioning services from a range of providers.”

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