The LDC delegation meets the CDO

Some interesting little nuggets of information have surfaced from this meeting:

• There is a problem with LDC's funding
• Local Commissioning is here to stay with dentistry leading and the others in the NHS will follow.
• With regards to additional 11% uplift, this money is recurring and no defined timescale would be imposed by the DoH on PCTs in planning its use.
• Concern was raised that previous guidance on year end issues was largely ignored. Guidance is apparently a method where PCTs can act differently but have a coherent reason why, whereas direction is a "must do". In other words they have no set blueprint to follow. Interesting that RIngfencing is a Guidance and not a direction.
• "Access" has been defined as a service within reasonable distance from home of reasonable "quality". What the frak does that mean??????
• "Quality" was defined as appropriate treatment from an appropriate clinician in appropriate setting. Ok, that makes everything so much clearer. Phew, I was worried there. Damn it, they didn't define appropriate......... we could have gone on like that for hours!!!!!!!
• There was further denial of miscalculation of contract targets - so John Renshaw must be wrong then, although somehow I don't think he is.
• Apparently when in discussions with practitioners, PCT' s should take into account the practitioners experience and dedication to the NHS, and treat them as a valued resource. You know, I feel almost floaty having read that. I think I will find myself a field and dance among the flowers. PCT's may well treat GDP's as valued resources, but that isn't going to stop Clawback

Blah blah blah blah :)

As I said, you can stay in the NHS and deal with the regulations, the bloated buerocracy and the threat of Clawback and a PCT suddenlt strapped for cash........... or you can make your way to the Exit door. It's the one over there with the word PRIVATE written on it in large glowing Gold letters. Your choice..... BUT, also take account of the economic factors affecting this country. Going private at the hieghts of a recession, for example, may not be the wisest move.