White Paper must be the gateway to improved care.

RCGP Conference - Professor Steve Field on improving standards - Staff retention boost - Sustainability targets.

The NHS should not tolerate poor quality care and GPs must use the White Paper as an opportunity to drive up standards in the profession, according to the RCGP chairman.

Speaking at the RCGP annual conference in Harrogate last week, Professor Steve Field acknowledged GPs' doubts. There were concerns, he said, that it could be the 'worst thing to happen to the NHS ever' because of fears it could increase the role of the private sector.

'These reforms are probably the biggest since the NHS began,' he said 'They are not without risks, but there is …