News

NHS chief executive refuses to sign anti-Darzi petition

20-Jun-08

NHS chief executive David Nicholson got into an 'altercation' with a practice receptionist over his refusal to sign a petition against the new Darzi health centres.

Mr Nicholson told the NHS Confederation conference in Manchester yesterday that registering with a new practice in North Yorkshire was ‘the most dangerous thing [he has] done over the last few years'.

He said he had been impressed by the ease with which he had been able to register, and the speed with which the practice has received his records. But the receptionist became irritated when Mr Nicholson declined to sign the petition against policies which would force the practice to close.

‘I asked what the evidence was that the practice would close,' he said. ‘She replied that ‘Dr So-and-so said it, and he always tells the truth.''

Elsewhere in his speech, Mr Nicholson defended the plans to create a new healthcare centre in every PCT. ‘How can it not be the right thing to do, to increase capacity and improve access to out-of-hours care?' he said.

It is unclear whether he remains on the practice's list.

jonn.elledge@haymarket.com

Comment below and tell us what you think

Comments

Samuel Forbes

20/06/2008

Another example of political spin. Likely receptionist works extremely hard under very difficult circumstances showing the sort of longevity and commitment to the NHS our government and CEO's lack. This sort of derogatory remark by the NHS CEO at a conference seems to me a pandering after political favour.

"The most dangerous thing he has done over the last few years"? simply because the receptionist asked him to fill in a petition and was unable to answer his probing questions? Shame on you! There are better ways to get material for your speeches David...

david jones

20/06/2008

Such an interesting story and goes to show that those organising and signing the petition have little understanding of the arguments except "Doctor knows best".

There is far too much paranoia around concerning Polyclinics. NO practices are going to close unless they are stubborn and luddite. Perhaps they would prefer to stay in their old decrepit premises instead ? I too refused to sign this ill thought out petition and it seems that over a million patients have been hoodwinked into signing it. G.P.'s should really get on board with some of these Govt. initiatives and get involved in the planning of the Polyclinics more instead of dragging their heels.

Kazzie

20/06/2008

Interestingly enough, with the 60th anniversary of the NHS coming up, who were the main opponents of it.....yes, you've guessed it - the doctors.

If they'd had their way then, we wouldn't have the NHS that they are so anxious to defend now. Makes you wonder if the polyclinic model is right after all.

shawn andrews

20/06/2008

I really find it totally difficult to believe the nonsense this man has come out with it belittles his position and shows he cannot be believed. maybe when he registers he advises his Gp he is hallucinating with a referall made to a psych following.There seem to be a few delusional politicians[too polite to make correct diagnosis].once again this Government shows it's incompetence and true colours

Every patient and health professional should boycott these so called Polyclinics [what a supid name] as for this man he should resign along with the health minister there is a question also of what he ,Darzi and the other incompetents are getting out of it.Just to say we would have refused him as a patient if he behaved like that in our surgery He seems to likeprivate medicine so let him go to a private GP until the polyclinic opens but will he be the only one there?

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