Abolishing consultant and GP contracts will be the 'logical conclusion' of successful integrated care organisations, NHS director general for commissioning Mark Britnell has claimed.
Speaking at a Civitas debate last week, Mr Britnell said: "It will create some interesting incentives and pressures for hospital-based consultants and GPs about how they organise themselves and patients."
Hospital doctors are concerned trusts may interpret the contract as preventing them providing services in the community.
But British Medical Association chair Hamish Meldrum said it did not spell the end of national contracts: "I don't think... integrated care means you go down the road of local contracting for terms and conditions."
Mr Britnell said the delayed PCT allocation formula would be unveiled at the same time as next year's operating framework in October.
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