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Letter from the BMA to all consultant ophthalmologists and anaesthetists on the proposed BUPA ophthalmology network

3 November 2006

Dear Doctor

BUPA’s ophthalmology network

As you will be aware from our earlier letters, the BMA is opposed as a matter of principle to the establishment of networks which threaten to remove the independence of consultants and allow insurers to control a process which should involve choice and independence for both the profession and patients.

We had reached an understanding with BUPA around co-operation between the profession, the hospital providers and BUPA, which we hoped would achieve more cost effective treatment pathways. We were about to recommend that consultants embark on discussion with hospital providers to identify ways in which pathways could be made more cost effective.

However, BUPA has now chosen to pursue a variation of their original network, which we had thought to be wholly withdrawn. We believe these new proposals could be considerably disadvantageous to consultants. The proposals would deny patient’s choice, subvert the GP to consultant referral process by directing patients to another consultant and seriously undermine consultant professionalism. We are therefore opposed to the establishment of such a network.

You should consider the implications of these proposals and decide individually whether this is a network you would wish to be involved with.

We will continue to keep you informed of our views as the situation develops.

Yours sincerely

Derek Machin
Chairman
Private Practice Committee

Rhod Daniel
Chairman
Ophthalmic Group Committee