31 December 2014
GPs and Physicians Want Care Based on Patients' Needs Rather Than Buildings
A new joint statement on integrated care issued today by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners supports the provision of new models of care based on the needs of patients, service users and communities, rather than buildings.
The statement, which is also supported by other medical Royal colleges and faculties, sets out the values, vision and commitments of both colleges in working together at a national level to promote person-centred care, integrated care and collaboration.
The two colleges are committed to involve patients, carers, and service users across the breadth of their work, and to breaking down traditional organisational boundaries in order to coordinate care and meet people’s needs.
Professor Jane Dacre, RCP president said:
"Primary care and acute care have always worked together for the wellbeing of today’s and tomorrow’s patients. It is vital that we remove the artificial barriers between us, and this statement opens the door for us to work ever more closely together, celebrating the care that we provide for patients."
Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:
"More integration and better, constructive working between primary, secondary and community care will be beneficial for GPs, the health service and our patients.
"GPs, our teams, and colleagues across the NHS are currently under pressure to cope with increasing patient demand with the resources available to us – and it is essential that we look at how we use these scant resources, in the best interests of our patients.
"This statement is a welcome demonstration of the widespread support for closer working between healthcare professionals across the NHS in order to deliver truly patient-centred care."
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7581
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
RCP contact: Linda Cuthbertson, Head of PR and public affairs 020 3075 1254
Notes
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.