EXCLUSIVE: Not-for-profit Camidoc keeps out of hours GP care contract
Thursday March 25, 2010
EXCLUSIVE by TOM FOOT
NHS campaigners are celebrating tonight after a popular not-for-profit doctors group was named as the preferred supplier of Camden's out-of-hours services.
Camidoc – a consortium of more than 300 local doctors treating and advising patients when surgeries are closed– was threatened with losing its contract after NHS Camden invited private firms to bid against them in a competitive tendering process.
It was feared profit-making health firms would use “cheaper” nurses instead of the expert doctors. Camden Keep Our NHS Public believed this was a “significant change” for Camden patients and threatened legal action.
But today, Liz Wise, acting chief executive of NHS Camden, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce today that following the recommendation of NHS Camden that Camidoc be awarded the contract, the
three other primary care trusts who are partners in the contract have endorsed our decision. Camidoc will now go forward as the preferred supplier. The awarding of the service to Camidoc provides continuity of service that I know local people value and should guarantee the high standards
that have been experienced in recent years.”
Candy Udwin, chairman of Camden Keep Our NHS Public, said: “Congratulations to everyone for keeping up the the pressure – well done to everyone involved.”
Camidoc has ten days to accept NHS Camden's offer.
Ends