BUPA Physiotherapy Tender Process

[Mr Manipulator]

I think this (copied from 'The Physios Voice') puts it in a nutshell:-

The CSP/Physio First have published the outcome of their meeting with BUPA on Wednesday. I expect most have received the e-alert from Physio First, and are equally as disappointed and frustrated that they seem to have mis-understood the underlying reasons for member discontent.
There are two fundamental reasons why we, as a profession, oppose these measures. Both our clinical independence and commercial autonomy will be significantly eroded. This is unacceptable.
Contrary to the feelings of the CSP and Physio First - “in our judgement the outcome (of the meeting) greatly ameliorates the immediate consequences” - the outcome of these discussions has had, in my view, no effect on this potential erosion.
While the CSP/PF received verbal assurances from BUPA (haven’t we been there before), the actual contractual terms we would enter into have not changed. This is worth emphasising. It is beside the point that the CSP/PF believe that the potential consequences have been ameliorated, the contractual terms HAVE NOT CHANGED.
There is seemingly a lack of understanding at how negotiations are conducted. One does not simply take verbal assurances that something is so, while happily signing a contract that says something to the contrary. Taking BUPA at its word is naïve. The CSP is giving excessive weight to the “stated” responses of BUPA in respect to a number of issues. Unless there has been a documented change in the tender document and terms and conditions, the stated BUPA responses carry no weight.
I wonder if the meeting can be summarised as follows.
CSP/PF: We’re not happy with a number of points in the tender document.
BUPA: Actually it’s not as bad as you think! We only want to use this information for good things, and the Physiotherapy profession will not suffer for it. Of course we can’t change the tender document, nor the terms and conditions, nor the timeframe, but don’t worry because you have our word that we only want what is best for patients.
CSP/PF: Well if you say so, perhaps we shouldn’t be that concerned. But I’m sure you gave us your word last time?
BUPA: That was different. We’ve changed. You’ll see. Trust us.
CSP/PF: Ok.
The CSP and Physio First have again delivered an insipid response. Thankfully there is a groundswell of support for this site, and for the huge numbers of practitioners that are supporting actions taken outside of the CSP and Physio First. This is a watershed moment for the profession. Stand strong now, and the profession will reap the benefits. If we crumble, we will forever lose our clinical independence, and be remembered as the generation that allowed it to happen. We cannot understate the implications.