The Fellows of the RCP are livid about the Health Bill. I make that every Royal College who's voted now against.

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) held an EGM for Fellows today on the NHS Bill. The RCP President has come under heavy criticism from his own members for attending last weeks health summit. 


Here's the text he has sent to members today following the EGM. It's quite something...


Today’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the fellows finished just over an hour ago, and I wanted to ensure that you are informed of the outcome as soon as possible.



The EGM was called by 20 fellows to discuss the Health and Social Care Bill and a motion that the RCP should survey all fellows and members with their specific views as to whether to accept or reject the plans as laid out in the Health and Social Care Bill. The meeting was attended by 189 fellows and I would like to thank all of them for expressing their opinions in what was a passionate and constructive debate.
 


The motion that the RCP should survey all fellows and members was carried, with 80% votes for, 16% votes against, and 4% abstentions. 


We shall now ensure that the survey is carried out as soon as is possible, and aim to have the outcome of the survey ready for a meeting of Council. We will do all we can to make sure that the survey is completed before the final deliberations in the House of Lords prior to the final debate in the House of Commons.
 


At the meeting, the vast majority of those who spoke voiced serious concerns about the Bill and its consequences for the NHS and patient care.  Another four-part motion calling for the Bill to be withdrawn, was voted on as a non-binding motion to be sent to Council for consideration. The full details and results of this motion can be found on the RCP website.
 


Since the publication of the white paper in July 2010, I have asked you to keep me and the RCP informed of your views, suggestions and concerns. The feeling of many at the meeting was that the RCP has been successful in positively amending aspects of the Bill, and this success was largely based on direct feedback from members and fellows. Again, I encourage you to share your opinions on the reforms and to provide the RCP with examples of what is happening day-to-day on the frontline, in addition to completing the forthcoming survey. As ever, you can reply to me directly, you can air your views on the RCP online forum, or you can attend one of the many RCP regional events. The more we hear from members and fellows, the stronger our message will be.
 You will receive details of the survey within the next few days and I encourage you to complete it in full. I shall of course be keeping you abreast of developments.
 


Kind regards,


Sir Richard Thompson

President of the Royal College of Physicians


Now: would you like to see the full results of the votes. Brace yourself...

Full details of motions

Tabled motion

1. Decide the motion that the RCP should survey all fellows and members of the RCP with their specific views as to whether to accept or reject the plans as laid out in the NHS Bill.

(Total votes cast: 186)

• Yes - 80%
• No - 16%
• Abstain - 4%

Indicative, non-binding vote

2. That this meeting:  

(a) considers that the Health and Social Care Bill, if passed, will damage the NHS and the health of the public in England;

(Total votes cast: 172)

• Yes - 89%
• No - 8%
• Abstain - 3%

(b) calls upon the Royal College of Physicians to call publicly for complete withdrawal of the Health and Social Care Bill;

(Total votes cast: 179)

• Yes - 79%
• No - 18%
• Abstain - 2%

(c) calls upon the Royal College of Physicians to seek an alliance with the RCGP, RCR, BMA, RCN, RCM and other willing Royal Colleges and NHS stakeholder organisations to call collectively for the withdrawal of the Health and Social Care Bill;

(Total votes cast: 182)

• Yes - 81%
• No - 19%
• Abstain - 0%

(d) calls upon the Royal College of Physicians to hold a joint press conference with the BMA and other willing Royal Colleges and NHS stakeholder organisations, to make a joint public statement calling for the Bill to be withdrawn.

(Total votes cast: 182)

• Yes - 69%
• No - 29%
• Abstain - 2%

I'd say that was about as clear as you can get. 

Nick. Kill the Bill


UPDATE
I am indebted to Andrew  ( @andrew2186)who has pointed out that 3 Royal Colleges are still to express a preference.

Andrew ‏ @andrew2186 

@richardmorrisuk RCo Surgeons has EGM on 8 March, RC Obst + Gyn has EGM on 9 March and RCo Anaesthetists aren't planning one at all