In 2001, the government attempted to reduce GPs' workloads. They no longer had to counter-sign driving licence or passport applications, provide jurors with a certificate to excuse them from jury service. But non-clinical tasks remained thanks to reforms over the last ten years that have led GPs to manage their own practices.
Some argue that such management gives GPs extra power to make their practices effective. But most GPs did not enter the profession to be businessmen. With night shifts and any extra consultancy work, many GPs complain of stress. Do they do too much? Or have new initiatives, such as NHS direct, greatly reduced their workload?
Responses to this topic (4)
Taking doctors away from their doctoring [view]
Letting doctors run their own services [view]
A call before surgery [view]
Should at least be offered some training [view]
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Taking doctors away from their doctoring [
