Giving voice to the private sector

The new president of the Independent Doctors Federation, private GP Dr Neil Haughton, reveals his plans and hopes for the organisation in the years ahead.

Dr Neil Haughton

At the Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), we have seen the need to adapt our role and services to the independent medical community and my priority in the next three years is to remain relevant and vital to those doctors. 

NHS challenges will only increase and having a strong, cohesive private sector to supplement NHS care is essential.

But we are an easy target, so we must exceed the requirements set down by legislation, regulation, appraisal and revalidation and clinical governance. 

The IDF has shown it can take on that responsibility already and is ideally placed to promote excellence, represent its members and enhance the reputation of independent practice to the profession and indeed the nation.

So how can we achieve this?