GPs shouldn’t be spending time on ‘red tape’, says RCGP

The Royal College of GPS has responded to comments made by Nadhim Zahawi, minister for vaccine deployment, dismissing proposals for UK vaccine passports but saying that ‘vaccine proof’ for other countries could be provided via the NHS and GPs

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs and a GP in East London, said: “We’re encouraged by the vaccine minister’s assurances that UK vaccine passports will not be introduced as we share many of his concerns.

“However, we would need a lot more clarification on how the proposed system for other countries would work. The priority must be to keep GPs and their teams on the frontline of the vaccination programme, not spending time on cumbersome red tape that will take them away from patient care and beating this virus.

“The College has had no discussions as yet on the role of GPs in providing proof of vaccination for purposes of travel. However, we are making regular representations to NHS Digital to improve the IT systems supporting the vaccination programme

 “GPs are working really hard to get as many patients as possible vaccinated as safely and speedily as possible. We cannot allow administration to get in their way.