Thread by @rcgp

Primary care services hold a unique position as the nations front door to our healthcare system.

However, we are concerned that the voice of primary care will be weakened as a result of the #HealthAndCareBill, and this could considerably impact on patient experiences (1/3)

That's why we put forward an amendment to the #HealthAndCareBill alongside @Rpharms & @The_AOP, which aims to ensure a stronger primary care voice in our future healthcare system.

@LordNigelCrisp has tabled the amendment which will be debated in the @UKHouseofLords today (2/3)

Our amendment would require Integrated Care Boards to work with primary care when preparing & revising their five year plans, in the same way they are required to work with NHS trusts/NHS foundation trusts.

A summary of our work on the Bill here: bit.ly/3rCGP1Y (3/3)

Live from the @UKHouseofLords chamber, @LordNigelCrisp introduces our amendments saying he was "dismayed at the way the govt has criticised GPs recently, primary care is under enormous pressure & there simply aren't enough GPs/primary care specialists" #HealthAndCareBill

Whilst @LordNigelCrisp welcomed the focus on waiting lists, he said "it is in primary care that we will see the real battle for the future of the NHS and it is important we give the people who are doing so much in our services the respect, influence & prominence they deserve."

Speaking on the importance of primary care representation, @LordPhilofBrum acknowledges "there is so much pressure on primary care and there is a great risk that in the work of the Integrated Care Boards, they will be ignored." Tune in to the debate here: bit.ly/3tKgYb2

Referencing the Bill's purpose (to integrate healthcare, improve health outcomes, reduce health inequality) @PaulScriven says "you can't do that if the focus is purely on the acute sector...if you don't give a voice & power to primary care, you won't achieve the change required"

Demonstrating support for the need for a stronger primary care voice in the Bill and our future healthcare system, @natalieben says our amendment is "a total no-brainer" #HealthandCareBill

.@JuliaCumberlege hailed primary care as "the absolute foundation of the NHS" and emphasised the importance of #RelationshipBasedCare before quoting our report "The Power of Relationships". You can read the report here: bit.ly/33CnKoP

Wrapping up the debate, Health Minister @SyedKamall supported claims from peers that more must be done to ensure that primary care is better represented & not dominated by acute trusts, and agreed to take the matter back to his department to discuss further.

That's all for today, but we will be keeping a close eye on the #HealthandCareBill & our amendments as they progress through the @UKHouseofLords.

Read more about our work on the Health and Care Bill here: rcgp.org.uk/policy/rcgp-po…