PCT's tighten the noose - thinking business

Here’s an extract from an email I received on Sunday:

I have also had a bit of a problem with the PCT. Most of the practices in the area went private when the new contract came in, and most of us took a child-only NHS contract. I received a letter on Thursday (dated the previous day) stating that the PCT is going to end all limited contracts in September (6 months earlier than agreed) and that if we wished to tender for further, all-inclusive NHS UDAs we had to get our response and proposal to the PCT by Friday!!

I rang the PCT dental leadÂ who told me that inÂ the PCT’sÂ eyes the child-only contract was discriminatory so could be terminated whenever they liked. I stated my view that there is nothing in the contract which states they can do this, but she said there is nothing I can do unless I take a full contract!

I spoke to the BDA who said that the PCT cannot cancel the contract like this and I should speak to the PCT again- if they maintain the stance then the BDA legal dept will take it up. I also rang the LDC chairman- he has spoken with the PCT too, and they basically told himÂ we can like it or lump it.

He suspects the Eddie Crouch case has encouraged the PCTs to believe they can do whatever they want- his advice was to take a small NHS contract to compensate for the loss of the children-only contract income. I thought that this may be a way around the problem, and that I could just see children as before, telling the adults trying to get an appointment that we are full, but the LDC chair was told by the PCT that they will be closely monitoring the claim forms put in to ensure no discrimination takes place.

I am quite concerned about this, as it will cause a drop of Â£720 per month in our income. I know I can take up a children’s plan with Practice Plan but I doubt it will be very widely taken up. More worrying is that the local privateÂ dentists I spoke to on Friday all seem to be resigned to going back into the NHS system to a fair degree. If this happens we could lose quite a few patients again.

Â What would your advice be in this situation?

0 Shares

Published by

Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry. View Posts

Barry Robertson on Conversations with Chris #4 – Living The E-Myth for real and putting wells on wheels – an interview with Shaz Memongreat podcast very interesting man and well done to him on his vision
Chris Barrow on Keeping countMorning Joe GDP referred patients - 85% should take up treatment Patient referred patients - 66% Direct advertising and walk-in
Joseph Watson on Keeping countWhat are the industry benchmarks here for the likes of lead generation and conversion here Chris? (Without using paid google/facebook
Sharon Jardine on It’s good to be nervous when you are doing your best workI hope the warm up show went well! See you at the main event tomorrow!
Mandar Joglekar on The Team Approach to Dentistry – two free downloadsGood idea. Patients need prior intimation about the change happening in the practice! Beautifully drafted letter. Thank you!!