Published: 21/02/2002, Volume II2, No. 5792 Page 25
Dr Michael Dixon's interview with Alison Moore is a salutary reminder not to expect too much from fledgling primary care trusts.
This despite (or perhaps because of ) all the time and effort put in by the various transition steering groups.
The level of control and performance-monitoring imposed by the strategic health authorities may well inhibit PCTs from new, clearer thinking and more focused priorities. Involving and empowering GPs and nurses is going to be essential in this regard.
The political parties have now agreed that NHS staff are dedicated professionals doing the best they can in difficult circumstances, and have admitted it is the system that is wrong - which the politicians themselves will have to sort out.
It was unfortunate that health secretary Alan Milburn reacted so strongly and adversely to South East regional director Ruth Carnall's attempt to get health authorities to balance their books instead of handing over their deficits to PCTs.
Loans from HAs in surplus (which Mr Milburn promised) will not get PCTs off to a good start, with or without the wheels which Dr Dixon fears they will lose. PCTs need leverage, not brokerage.
Gerald Gilbert Walton-on-Thames
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