Posted: 05 June 2008 at 15:09

Just got my stuff from the PCT. Any advice on whether I should have an NHS Contract or not?

Thanks

Posted: 05 June 2008 at 15:50

Having an NHS Contract as far as these contracts goes simply allows you to use the NHS Dispute Resolution Service in case of a dispute with the PCT that cannot be resolved locally. This is a free service. This would seem to be a good thing generally particularly for the independent practitioner with less legal clout than a large multiple. The only slight downside is that if you do have an NHS Contract, the PCT can refer a dispute to the Resolution Service without your consent, if you don't have one, it has to have your consent.

If it helps, this same options applies to dental contracts, and although many did not take the NHS Contract initially a lot of them are now opting for one. And that's the other thing - unless a dispute resolution process has begun you can opt to change to an NHS Contract or to a non-NHS Contract at any time.

Not a definitive answer either way, but that will hopefully give you the information you need to make a decision.

Charles Greenwood