Student health services risk serious underfunding as the new general practitioner contract stands. Our work, caring for young adults, often away from home for the first time, is not fully recognised by the Carr-Hill formula that is the lynchpin of the contract that comes into effect on April 1.
We have invested time, money and expertise in the additional services tailored to student needs, such as sexual and mental health, but funding is unlikely unless these are recognised as "enhanced" services within the contract.
Some practices may become unviable and others may have difficulties in recruiting healthcare staff.
John Lethem
Chair
British Association of Health Services in Higher Education