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An agreement has been reached between the General Practitioners
Committee (GPC) and National Health Services (NHS) Employers to
ensure that GP practices across the United Kingdom will not suffer
financially should an influenza pandemic occur. Even if GPs were
to suspend some or all routine General Medical Services (GMS) work
as a result of a pandemic, their NHS income would remain in line
with the previous year's earnings and any pre-agreed uplift. Income
protection would come into effect as soon as a pandemic was declared
nationally (when UK alert levels reach 2 or 3) and would be reviewed
every quarter. The chairman of the GPC, Dr Laurence Buckman commented:
"This agreement provides the necessary stability to allow GPs
to get on with the job of treating sick patients". The guidance
does not extend to Personal Medical Services (PMS) practices.
Source: GP Magazine, 15 May 2008
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