Full minutes: 17th March 2021
Next meeting: 31st March; 18.30pm, contact us for Zoom details
Highlights
- Operose ( subsidiary of US Centene ) has taken over 37 GP surgeries in London which were being run by a GP consortium – “AT medics”. Campaigners have been exploring the possibility of challenging the CCGs over the legality of them approving the takeover. Operose also have about 20 other practices in England, 2 here in East Leeds. It is confusing to say all GPs are private. They are independent contractors but most see themselves as part of the NHS and are on GMS or PMS contracts so can’t buy and sell their practice. A minority of GP practices are on APMS (Alternative Provider Medical Services ) contracts which were introduced in 2014. They allow practices to be bought and sold and work contracted out.
- John responded to a spread in the paper from Rob Webster , chief of the West Leeds ICS , in his letter in the YEP today, which challenged the argument that the re-organisation is about partnership not privatisation. Yesterday G & J attended a meeting with some ICS leaders/ organisers initiated by Jenny Shepherd to discuss public engagement and the Board’s responses to questions from the public.
- Discussed organising a public meeting , maybe focusing on how privatisation is eating into the NHS despite all the publicity saying it is on the way out ! Everyone felt we could make a larger Zoom meeting work although maybe best to use webinar mode/ facility .
- Leeds TUC environment change group are having another planning meeting re what we can do in Yorkshire in the build up to COP 26 ( Oct) to raise awareness of the need to stop damaging the environment and halting disastrous climate change. Leeds People Before profit group ( linked to Leeds TUC) are holding a public meeting Defend the Right to Protest on Monday 29th March 6pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/500062337821996
Leeds Keep Our NHS Public 