RCGP response to Panorama investigation into Operose

The Royal College of GPs has responded to a Panorama investigation into the GP practice operator, Operose Health.

Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “GPs work with many other highly skilled healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, physios, and physician associates to deliver the appropriate general practice care and services that patients need, which is not always the generalist medical expertise of a GP. None of these professionals are replacements for GPs, but working in multi-disciplinary teams can ensure patients get quicker access to appropriate care, and help to free up GPs’ time for patients with the most complex health needs.

“However, it’s essential that all healthcare professionals working in general practice receive appropriate training, support and supervision, and that no healthcare professional is asked to work outside their clinical competence, this would both be unfair on them and a risk to patient safety.”

Further information

RCGP Press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 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.