SERVICES FOR MEDICAL PRACTICES
Introduction
This is a challenging and potentially rewarding time for GP’s, having to find their way around the new GMS Contract and the opportunities and flexibilities it offers.
Attention is currently very much focused on primary care, and Practices and single handed GPs need to look carefully at how to structure change so as to make the most of the new emphasis on contractual performance.
Maxwell Hodge offer specialist legal knowledge of the issues involved. Its Healthcare Team act for doctors both in the North West and throughout the country. Its team has recently expanded and provides legal services primarily to doctors, dentists and pharmacists. Its range of services for GPs include :-
Partnership Agreements
Every medical practice should have a modern partnership agreement. Many practices do not have any form of written agreement and those that do may find it inadequate and out of date. On lst April 2004 the new GMS Contract came into effect allowing GP practices far more flexibility than previously in choosing the services the practice will provide. The GMS Contract is granted to GP partnerships rather than individual partners and, at a stroke, probably rendered any previous written partnership agreement redundant.
Our tailor made partnership agreements will cover all the key issues affecting medical practices including capital, premises, remuneration, holidays, death or retirement and resolution of disputes between partners.
A well drawn partnership agreement allows partners to know exactly where they stand and provides peace of mind to allow them to concentrate on providing a high level of service for patients.
Partnership disputes
In common with other professionals GPs hope that their working relationship with their partners will always run smoothly. Occasionally, however, disputes arise at which time it is vital that appropriate legal advice is taken.
Maxwell Hodge will provide options and answers designed to resolve disputes without recourse to legal action where possible but, if not, we can assist with arbitration and court proceedings.
Premises and leases
Maxwell Hodge understand the property requirements of medical practices including responses needed to changes in the Partnership and the restructuring of loans.
We understand the specific needs of doctors and their bargaining strengths when entering into new-build development leases.
NHS Lift Schemes
Our healthcare team provides experience in NHS LIFT (Local Initiative Finance Trust) projects.
LIFT aims to deliver new one-stop primary care centres and new or upgraded GP surgeries through public and private investment. Maxwell Hodge works closely with GPs, local authorities, developers and NHS Trusts to ensure all agreements are legally sound.
Employment advice
Maxwell Hodge have a dedicated employment team able to provide a wide range of advice on staffing issues including contracts of employment, disciplinary and termination procedures, discrimination law and other intricate problems occurring during the employment relationship. Where a dispute arises we can help resolve it. Failing this, Maxwell Hodge will provide representation in employment tribunals and court.
Out of hours services
GP Co-Operatives traditionally provided out of hours services for a period of over twenty years and were seen as a significant success story. Introduction of new contracts, however, resulted in the disappearance of two thirds of GP Co-Operatives. We have acted on behalf of continuing Co-Operatives and have experience of assisting in development of new approaches to the delivery of healthcare by way of community ownership structures. Opportunities now exist to, for example, convert the running of Co-Operatives into Community Interest Companies.
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