Statement - We own it
Published on: 2nd June 2021
The NW London CCG acknowledges the representations made by We Own it.
All GP practices work under contract to the NHS and are either small or larger private businesses owned by GPs or other organisations. However they must be able to meet strict standards and regulations that apply to all NHS providers.
Whilst the contract holder remains AT Medics, they had to ask permission of the NHS (the CCG that commissions the relevant services) for the change in control. This is allowed under the terms of the GP contract. In this case, the transfer was approved as there was no legal or contractual basis for the CCG to reject the transfer of control and it will not alter the service that is required under the contract.
As a commissioner of health services, our highest priority is that patients receive a good service that is safely delivered and that they operate within the legal and contractual framework we are given. We would confirm again, that for all the GP practices in NWL where AT Medics are the contract holder, AT Medics are delivering services to a good standard. Where these practices have been inspected, they are rated good or outstanding by the CQC.
As part of a due diligence process undertaken prior to considering the change in control we sought assurance that our patients and their care would not be affected. AT Medics Ltd advised us that they will continue to run the GP practices as they do now and patients will continue to see the same doctors and nurses, although over time there may be some natural changes in staff as people choose to move to new jobs. Care remains free at the point of delivery.
We would reiterate that our commissioning practices in relation to AT Medics have followed the same rules and guidance we apply to all our GP APMS contracts and any decisions taken were informed by legal and national guidance. In this case, there was no legal or contractual basis for the CCG to reject the transfer of control of AT Medics Ltd., and doing so would have posed a risk to continuity of high quality of care for local residents.
