The Satisfaction of General Practitioners with the New NHS Arrangement Dissertation

The Satisfaction of General Practitioners with the New NHS Arrangement - Dissertation Example Initially, Health Authorities were charged with the responsibility of planning, managing funds, and providing healthcare services at the community and hospital levels (Wilkin 2002, p. 539). This arrangement was later changed to the extent that the service provider and the purchaser functions were separated leading to the establishment of an â€Å"internal† market. Under this arrangement, the Health Authorities became the service purchasers even as the NHS Trusts became the service providers (Wilkin 2002, p. 539). One of the major reforms that rocked the NHS related to the establishment of the general practitioner (GP) fundholding scheme. Under the fundholding scheme as established in the 90s, the general practitioners were responsible for the management of their own budgets as well as the procurement of some health services. The fund holders enjoyed more freedom in managing resources and making innovations than the Health Authorities even though the latter retained control of close to 80% of the hospital and community services for patients who subscribed to fundholding practices, and 100% of the budget for non-fundholding practices (Wilkin 2002, p. 539). They were also responsible for overseeing elective procedures in hospitals on behalf of patients.