A GROUP of Bournemouth and Poole family doctors is to become a “pathfinder” for the latest healthcare reforms, which will see most of the NHS’s budget transferred from primary care trusts to GPs in just over two years’ time.

GP Dr Lionel Cartwright, one of the transition leaders for the consortium, said: “I think it’s an interesting opportunity. Effectively doctors and GPs will be given the opportunity to put up or shut up.

“The concept of clinically-led commissioning is very exciting and would represent real progress.

"We’ve still got to work within the same budget, but if it works, prioritisation will be based on clinical need rather than financial or political expediency.”

He added: “Cynics might say it’s designed to fail and facilitate future privatisation. I would prefer not to think that, but who knows?”

Details of the controversial reforms will be published in tomorrow’s health and social care bill.

Kathy Ibbotson, Royal College of Nursing representative for Dorset, said members were “very concerned”, adding: “I didn’t think they needed this scale of reform. It’s being rushed through.

“When GPs hold the funds and make the decisions, they will be free to use any outside organisation that wants to bid for the contracts.

"They will always be looking to deliver the cheapest service possible. I think we will see differences across the country again.”

Dorset GP and British Medical Association representative Dr Tom McKinstry said: “The theory is good. There has been a cry from doctors that they wanted to try and get rid of the bureaucratic nightmare that exists at the moment.

“Because of the target culture, there has been this conflict. The health service used to be a team effort, now it’s us and them, managers and professionals. I don’t think that’s in the best interests of the patients.”

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “I shall be looking at the proposals very carefully.

“I am very mindful of the large number of organisations that have questioned the speed with which the changes are being introduced. They are very radical changes and I want to be assured that this isn’t privatisation by the back door.”