A new face could be just what we need

It's a case of deal with it and get on with it. If we all said that Lansley should be out - we can't then moan he should stay. Most of the legal processes are in place - now its time to face the music. We need to deliver what we have now - NMS will be reviewed and potentially lost if the results are poor!

I think the article has lost its way somewhat. One really needs to look at strategy behind the architecture of the new health system. I think it is somewhat naive to assume that the health system has been designed or constructed around the primary goals of outcomes at the top of the agenda, but rather cost containment. Cutting through the fat, you will see a very ingenious plan by this administration to introduce structure that can be seamlessly privatised at almost every layer, except the clinical layer.

I sincerely believe that GP's are drinking from the poisoned chalice. They are being set up to fail. The failure, will ultimately allow them to be dissolved and brought under private control.

As for GP's really having power, I suggest you look at the statistics for CCG's and you will find that a significant many do not even have GP majority control. Compound this with the fact that the majority of CCG's will be delivering their commissioning responsibilities outsourced to CSS (which will ultimately become privatised/social enterprises) then you will see the clear picture. That picture is one of phased privatisation. The map is being laid down before our very own eyes.

I believe Pharmacy should look at upskilling, forming co-mapped (to CCG's) partnerships with like-minded peer contractors and look to innovate, develop and deliver solutions directly to CCG's (Should they commission) or the CSS (Should they handle the Commissioning on behalf of the CCG).

I also believe LPC's should position themselves as lobbyists to H&WB's and influence potential gaps in JSNA.

Having been to a short presentation from a GP with regards to CCG commissioning I forecast primary care will run short of money by January 2014.

Of course the government (i.e. the taxpayer) will bail CCGs out that year. The NHS reorganisation cannot be seen to have failed!

No expansion on those comments needed.

Dream on!

I speak as someone who started out as a pharmacist, though I never registered.

It seems to me absurd to think that pharmacists should have a leadership role in medical care when they are not medics.

At best they can offer advice on drug use. but even in this role they are compromised by their vested interest in selling things that make the most profit.

Furthermore, so many pharmacists seem happy to sell ineffective quackery (supplements, homeopathy etc) that their judgement, even on matters of drug treatment, is suspect.

I know these strictures don't apply to every pharmacist, but they apply to far too many.